• +1 (868) 623 4663

Job Summary

 

The incumbent is required to manage and direct the activities of the Legal Services Unit or Division of a Ministry/Department and render legal services.  Duties include planning, directing and coordinating the work of professional legal staff and legal support staff.  Duties also include providing legal advice, representing the Ministry/Department in Court, at Tribunals and meetings, drafting and reviewing legal agreements and other legal documents and participating in negotiations, mediation and arbitration.

 

REPORTS TO: Permanent Secretary or Head of Department

 

SUPERVISION GIVEN TO: Senior Legal Officer/and other designated legal officers       (Direct)

                                                        Legal Officer I and II (Indirect)

                                                        Paralegal Officer (Indirect)

                                                        Legal Research Officer (Indirect)

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

  • Plans, directs and co-ordinates the activities of the professional legal staff and other support staff engaged in the provision of legal services to a Ministry/Department.
  • Plans, organises and directs the development of the work programme of the Legal Services Unit/Division.
  • Directs, co-ordinates and reviews the work of professional legal staff performing duties such as:
  • appearing in court and before other tribunals;
  • providing advice on legal issues related to the administration, interpretation and   enforcement of laws pertinent to the Ministry/Department’s operations;
  • drafting legal documents such as contracts, leases and agreements;
  • preparing draft pleadings for filing;
  • reviewing legal/court documents for completeness and accuracy;
  • preparing legal opinions; and
  • researching and analysing legal matters/issues.
  • Provides advice and interpretation to senior management and staff on very complex legal matters/issues.
  • Drafts or leads the drafting of very complex legal documents/instruments.
  • Directs and participates in the review of existing laws and regulations pertinent to the Ministry/Department and in
  • the recommendation of or the formulation of appropriate amendments.
  • Represents the Ministry/Department in court and before other tribunals in very complex legal matters.
  • Plans, directs and co-ordinates the review of systems and procedures, and the development of strategies/mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of legal services delivery.
  • Drafts budgetary estimates of the Legal Service Unit/Division.
  • Identifies and makes recommendations for staff training and development.
  • Serves as a resource in the training and development of legal staff.
  • Leads or participates in consultations and negotiations with external parties.
  • Prepares Cabinet/Ministerial Notes, memoranda, letters and other documents.
  • Represents the Ministry/Department on committees, meeting and other fora.
  • Performs other related work as necessary.

 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE:

  • Extensive knowledge of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Extensive knowledge of legal principles and practices.
  • Extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations pertinent to the operations of the Ministry/Department.
  • Extensive knowledge of court procedures and practices and of rules of evidence.
  • Considerable knowledge of legal drafting principles and practices, legal research skills and techniques.

 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Skill in the use of personal computers.
  • Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.
  • Ability to use the internet for research purposes.
  • Skill in drafting legal documents/instruments.
  • Skill in negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
  • Ability to plan, organize, direct and co-ordinate the activities of a division providing legal services.
  • Ability to analyse and interpret laws and regulations.
  • Ability to present and explain statements of facts and the law logically, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, colleagues and members of the public.

 

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

  • Minimum of ten (10) years experience as a practising Attorney at Law.
  • Bachelor of Law Degree from a recognised institution.
  • Legal Education Certificate or equivalent from a recognised institution.
  • Admission to practice Law in Trinidad and Tobago.