Senior Legal Officer

This is an advisory role. The role supports the CEO, the Committees of the LATT, and the LATT representatives on external committees and boards.

Job Summary: The Senior Legal Officer is required to consider and respond to matters of law and procedure upon the request of the CEO and the Council. The Senior Legal Officer also undertakes legal research and functions as a part of the Secretariat.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To provide advice to the CEO and the Council on matters of law and procedure at the request of the Council;
2. To monitor and manage all litigation in which the LATT is a named party or an interested party or in such matters as required by LATT and to appear on behalf of the Law Association when required by the Council so to do;
3. To report to the Council every month on all such litigation matters referred to in paragraphs two above and six below;
4. To assist the Conveners and members of assigned Committees of the LATT to ensure that tasks relevant to each Committee are assigned and carried out, and deliverables are achieved within the targeted timeframe set by the Council. He or she shall also liaise with LATT-appointed representatives on external Committees and Statutory Boards and obtain reports from representatives for the benefit of the Council and the membership;
5. To carry out research for all assigned Committees and to prepare notes and revise legislative documents, including but not limited to Bills, Acts, rules and regulations;
6. To draft letters and prepare briefing notes and reports to the CEO and the Council where necessary;
7. To assist with the preparation of related LATT policies and procedures;
8. To liaise and correspond with external Counsel and instructing Attorneys-at-Law in all litigation matters in which the LATT is a named party or an interested party, including the Attorneys at Law who represent other parties and Attorneys at Law retained by the LATT;
9. To assist the Secretary in the performance of their duties;
10. To update the Council on matters via weekly Legal Reports;
11. All other related tasks relevant to the effective operation and strategic running of secretariat activities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE  

• An Attorney-at-Law admitted to practice in Trinidad and Tobago.
• A practitioner member in good standing with the Law Association.
• A minimum of at least eight (8) years’ experience in the practice of law.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in litigation would be considered an asset.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Working knowledge of the Civil Proceedings Rules 1998 as amended, Courtroom protocol and at least one year's experience in litigation and/or at least one year in research of the law.
• General knowledge of electronic and manual legal research methods.
• General proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite software and web-based legal resources.
• Case Management skills and the ability to organise documentation in an efficient filing system.
• General ability to conduct legal research and to prepare notes, amended legislation, correspondence and drafts of originating and interlocutory proceedings in litigation matters.
• General ability to work outside of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. when required by impending deadlines and Council and Committee Meetings.

COMPETENCIES

• Oral and Written Communication - the ability to confidently express oneself in a clear, concise and logical manner; production and compilation of accurate information; speaking clearly and concisely to inform and persuade; and writing grammatically succinctly and clearly. Seeks to improve writing style and effectiveness. Possess presentation skills. 
• Interpersonal Skills - ability to establish productive and cooperative relationships. Understands and responds to others' needs and priorities.
• Legal Research - the ability to identify and collect all relevant facts and documents; analyse the facts to identify any existing or potential legal or other issues; identify any additional points required to support the relevant legal issues.
• Organized/Aware - implements practical time management skills and prioritises tasks based on instruction, guidance and personal experience.
• Proactive - seeks new tasks and development opportunities. Identifies and develops new ideas and areas for improvement and is prepared to logically robustly defend them.
• Influence - develops leadership and influencing capabilities and provides mentoring.  Seeks opportunities internally to influence or initiate courses of action or change relevant to the business or job role.
• General conduct - professional behaviour and appearance, resourceful, and client-oriented. Adheres to and complies with HR policies, e.g., Dress code and Health and Safety.
• Exercising professional judgment - applies knowledge to the benefit of colleagues and others; performs duties competently, diligently, honestly and with due regard to legislation, minimum quality standards and in compliance with fundamental principles of ethical behaviour.
• Acts ethically - applies relevant codes of conduct, regulations, and legislation, sets high standards of accuracy and attention to detail in records and reports to the highest standard of professionalism.
• Problem solver - solves work-related problems, demonstrating innovative, critical thinking and the ability to plan and undertake projects. Analyses complex data from both internal and external sources, showing a clear understanding of the needs of clients and the business.
• Credible - develops personal credibility based on expanding knowledge and skills and gaining a positive reputation with peers and colleagues.
• Deadline-oriented – applies strategies to prioritise deliverables and multitasks to meet deadlines.
• Team Player - works co-operatively with other individuals and makes valued contributions to the outputs of others to assist one's team or project to achieve the required outputs.

          WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Chief Executive Officer
• Staff of the Secretariat
• Members of the Council
• Counsel and Attorneys-at-Law
• Members of the LATT Committees