Assistant Legal Counsel

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) invites applications from suitably qualified Attorneys-at-Law for the position of Assistant Legal Counsel.

The successful candidate will play a central role in managing and advancing the Company’s litigation portfolio, providing strategic legal advice on disputes, and safeguarding the Company’s interests across all contentious matters. The candidate will generally provide legal and commercial services to the Company and ensure compliance with the various laws and policies of relevant regulatory bodies.

Responsibilities & duties include but are not limited to:

• Negotiate, prepare, review and amend complex commercial contracts: primarily FIDIC Contracts

• Prepare, review and settle pleadings, affidavits, submissions and other court documents

• Develop and execute litigation strategies aligned with the Company’s commercial objectives

• Appear in Court and/or liaise with and instruct external counsel where required

• Provides legal representation, advice and opinions in monitoring and resolving disputes that may lead to litigation

• Perform pre-litigation work including opinions, preparation of court documents and filing

• Lead pre-litigation processes including dispute assessment, settlement negotiations and alternative dispute resolution

• Support internal teams in claims preparation, evidence gathering and dispute mitigation

• Conduct and manage litigation matters across all levels of the Jamaican court system

• Manage and monitor ongoing claims, disputes and arbitration matters

• Provide legal opinions on contentious issues and potential litigation risks 

• Oversee insurance portfolio including policy renewal and reporting of accidents/ incidents

• Support internal stakeholders on employment-related disputes and regulatory issues

• Assist with internal investigations and incident reporting where legal exposure arises

• Provide strategic advice on legal risk exposure in ongoing projects and operations

• Ensure the Company is in compliance with various laws and regulations that affect the Construction Industry

Requirements:

• Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) and Admission to practise at the Bar in Jamaica

• Three (3) - Five (5) years’ post-qualification experience with a strong emphasis on civil and commercial litigation and regulatory compliance

• Demonstrated courtroom experience and familiarity with court procedures and rules

• Detailed knowledge of bidding, tender and procurement processes

• Excellent knowledge of Company Law, Contract Law and FIDIC Contracts

• Experience in Litigation ( Civil and Commercial litigation)

• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to be objective and strategically plan

• Ability to work in a fast-moving and culturally diverse environment

Closing date for applications: March 31, 2026

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.