LEGAL ASSOCIATE

Legal Associate

THE CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

JOB DESCRIPTION – LEGAL ASSOCIATE ________________________________________________________________

Job Title:  Legal Associate

Department:  Legal Services

Section:         Care, Legal and Regulatory Services   

Reports to:  Senior Legal Services Associate

Direct Reports: NA

Indirect Reports:    Paralegal

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JOB SUMMARY

The Legal Associate works in association with the Senior Legal Associate in providing high quality legal advice to the Children’s Authority, effective legal representation in court in matters concerning children. The incumbent assists and appears in court proceedings as he/she collects data, researches cases and legal precedents.  The incumbent also provides technical and administrative assistance in the legal department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1.       I.         Works closely with the Senior Legal Associate in interpreting and recommending appropriate action on the laws that impact the operations of the Children’s Authority, represents the Authority in non-trial and trial cases, and provides advice on its legal rights and obligations.

1.      II.         Works in association with the Senior Legal Associate to make sure that the operations of the Children’s Authority follows all appropriate legal rules, regulations and procedures.

1.    III.         Assists in the implementation and maintenance of the case management and administration systems required to support the effective conduct of court matters, follow-up and secure the welfare of “at risk” and abused children.  

1.   IV.         Undertakes legal and social science research on public policy issues that have implications for the effective operation of the Children’s Authority, and advises managers on relevant legal issues, strategies and solutions that will help the Authority meet its mandate and improve its customer service delivery systems.

1.     V.         Provides legal advice, guidance and representation on matters relating to children in need of care and protection, family services matters, adoption matters and foster care matters, as required.

1.   VI.         Works closely with the Paralegal and in collaboration with relevant staff members of the Authority, to review complaints, prepare assessments of validity, and assists the appropriate section in making recommendations for follow-up action.

1.  VII.         Researches legal documents to provide supporting evidence for a particular argument in a case; drafts legal documents, including motions or briefs, pleadings, affidavits, orders and relevant correspondence on the basis of generally accepted legal guidelines and procedures; locates and interviews expert witnesses and other witnesses, and files motions or other documents with the court; all in pursuing cases on behalf of the Authority.

1. VIII.         Represents the Authority at hearings and other judicial proceedings, identifies and analyses any legal problems/issues, and makes recommendations for appropriate action.

1.   IX.         Prepares and maintains case files and documents for court appearances and ensures the timely filing of documents with the court.

1.     X.         Reviews relevant case laws and regulations to support legal opinions for the Children’s Authority and prepares both written and oral opinions and presentations.

1.   XI.         Participates in the implementation and management of the Authority’s ADR system and mechanisms; including providing technical support in the delivery of its mediation services.   

1.  XII.         Assists in the development and delivery of training programmes for stakeholders and staff of the Authority.

1. XIII.         Provides technical assistance and support in the implementation of an effective system of record-keeping, filing and retrieval to ensure best practices in matters handled by the Legal Services Section.  

1. XIV.         Maintains and improves professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, participating in professional societies, maintaining affiliations with legal networks and reporting on trends in child protection matters.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• ·      A Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) and Legal Education Certificate (LEC) or equivalent qualification from a recognised university or tertiary level institution.
• ·      A member of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago.

• ·     A minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience as an Attorney-at-Law.

• ·     Any other equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• ·     Knowledge of public law, family law and child advocacy law, and the ability to become highly competent in the laws relating to the welfare of children.
• ·     Excellent knowledge of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
• ·     Working knowledge of the court system in Trinidad and Tobago.
• ·     Strong organisational skills and ability to multi-task, prioritise and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• ·     Demonstrated keen interest in the well-being of children, their needs and rights.
• ·     Ability to work well with children in a sensitive and caring manner.
• ·     Ability to counsel and advise management and staff on sensitive issues, child advocacy matters, ADR and mediation matters and appropriate courses of action.
• ·     Ability to work independently, as well as collaborate effectively with different groups toward achieving common goals.
• ·     Superior attention to detail.
• ·     Excellent legal research skills.
• ·     Must be able to obtain, analyse and evaluate a variety of information; organise, interpret and present it in a meaningful oral or written form.
• ·     Ability to read and interpret technical documents.
• ·     Proven ability to work with and lead a team of attorneys.
• ·     Excellent customer service orientation and the ability to deal with the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to build trust, credibility and effective working relationships with all levels of staff within the Children’s Authority, and with external stakeholders.
• ·     Must demonstrate tact, diplomacy, mature judgement and creative problem-solving skills.
• ·     Excellent interpersonal, team spirit, network and communications skills (oral and written).
• ·     Excellent presentation skills.
• ·     Ability to keep up-to-date child care case management records and files and provide information correctly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• ·     Ability to listen and ascertain the needs of customers, find and communicate accurate information concerning process, policies and procedures to customers, and respond to customers tactfully and courteously.
• ·     Competent in computer usage and the Microsoft Office Suite of programmes (including Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook).

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