SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER

SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER

Job Summary

The incumbent is required to supervise junior legal officers performing legal work in the Legal Services Unit/Division of a Ministry/Department. Duties include appearing in court, providing legal advice and opinions and drafting legal documents on the more complex legal matters involving the Ministry/Department. The incumbent also assists in planning, organising and preparing the work programme of the Unit/Division

Reports To: Director, Legal Services or Designated Officer

Supervison Given To: Junior Legal Officers  and other support staff

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises junior legal officers and other staff providing legal support work.
• Assigns and reviews the work of junior legal officers while providing training, advice, guidance and direction on legal matters.
• Plans, organises and prepares the work programme of the Legal Services Unit/Division.
• Represents the Ministry/Department in court and before other tribunals on the more complex legal matters.
• Drafts the more complex legal documents including contracts, leases, and agreements.
• Reviews systems, policies and procedures and makes appropriate recommendations to improve productivity and quality service.
• Confers with relevant official of Ministries/Departments and attends meetings to give professional legal advice.
• Prepares and /or reviews legal opinions.
• Reviews legal/court documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Advises on the more complex legal issues related to the administration, interpretation and enforcement of laws pertaining to the operations of the Ministry/Department.
• Participates in or supervises the preparation of instructions for submission to state central legal agencies on legal matters involving the state.
• Participates in or supervises court case preparation work such as interviewing witnesses, taking depositions and preparing pre-trial briefs and preparing draft pleadings for filing.
• Supervises the conduct of research and analysis on legal matters pertinent to the Ministry’s/Department’s operations.
• Participates in and/or supervises the review of existing legislation, rules, and regulations pertaining to the Ministry/Department and recommends/formulates appropriate amendments.
• Reviews systems and procedures and recommends or devises strategies/ mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of legal services delivery.
• Leads or participates in negotiations/consultations with external/internal parties.
• Prepares Cabinet/Ministerial Notes, memoranda, letters, and other documents on legal matters.
• Represents the Ministry/Department on committees and in meetings and other fora.
• Performs other related duties as required.

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

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skill in the use of personal computers.
• Skill in drafting  legal documents/instruments.
• Skill in negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
• Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.
• Ability to use the internet for research purposes.
• Ability to supervise legal officers performing professional legal work.
• Ability to analyse and interpret laws and regulations.
• Ability to present and explain statements of facts and the law, and to argue clearly and logically, orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and members of the public.

• Minimum of eight (8) years’ experience as a practicing 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.