Judicial Counsel (On Contract)

The Judicial Counsel provides high-level legal support to the President and Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice by conducting in-depth legal research, analyzing case law, and assisting in the drafting of judgments, orders, and legal opinions.

1. Conducts legal research to support the President and Judges on matters that impact the Court’s functions, ensuring well-informed decision-making.
2. Provides legal guidance and case management by tracking assigned cases from filing to resolution, preparing opinions and briefing notes, advising on procedural developments, and keeping the judicial panel updated.
3. Reviews and analyzes court documents by examining submissions, summarizing key arguments, preparing detailed hearing notes, and offering legal opinions to facilitate judgment formulation.
4. Drafts and refines judgments and orders by assisting in the writing, editing, and vetting of judicial decisions to ensure accuracy, clarity, and legal soundness.
5. Verifies legal references and sources by cross-checking authorities cited in legal briefs and conducting independent research to uphold the integrity of judicial rulings.
6. Prepares official court documents and correspondence, including memoranda, letters, and legal opinions, ensuring consistency with court standards and procedures.
7. Supports judicial communications by drafting media releases, briefing the Communications and Information Department, and assisting in the preparation of public statements to maintain transparency and public trust.
8. Develops educational materials and public outreach content to enhance awareness and understanding of the Court’s role and judicial processes.
9. Assists in speechwriting for Judges by drafting and refining addresses for judicial and public engagements, ensuring clarity and relevance to the intended audience.
10. Provides support during Court sittings by assisting Judges with case materials, ensuring smooth proceedings, and addressing any procedural requirements.
11. Ensures corporate compliance by providing legal oversight for the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) and CCJ Academy for Law (CAL), ensuring adherence to corporate governance standards, regulations, and policies.
12. Provides legal advice and support on matters related to the organization's operations, contractual agreements, and strategic initiatives.
13. Executes organizational initiatives by assisting in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of key programs and projects.
14. Attends and conducts meetings with internal management and external stakeholders, ensuring productive discussions and clear decision-making.
15. Leads negotiations and manages dealings with external partners, ensuring favorable legal and operational outcomes for the organization.
16. Assists in organizational management by contributing to the efficient execution of daily operations and long-term planning.
17. Develops strategic plans and contributes to organizational growth by engaging in structured planning and policy formulation.
18. Conducts legal and general research to support decision-making, policy development, and organizational initiatives.
19. Contributes to Court administration by serving on committees, participating in policy discussions, and assisting with contract drafting and review to support the Court’s operational efficiency.
20. Performs additional duties as assigned, ensuring alignment with the Court’s mission and judicial excellence.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized tertiary institution.
• A Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from a recognized regional or international law school.
• Admission to practice law in a Commonwealth or CARICOM jurisdiction.

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of Caribbean and international legal systems, including judicial procedures, case law, and statutory interpretation to provide authoritative legal guidance and research support.
• In-depth knowledge of legal research methodologies and sources, enabling thorough analysis of case law, precedents, and legislation.
• In-depth knowledge of judgment writing and legal drafting to assist in preparing court rulings, orders, and judicial opinions with precision and clarity.
• In-depth knowledge of court rules and procedures, ensuring compliance with judicial protocols and the effective handling of case materials.
• Sound knowledge of contract law and legal agreements to assist in drafting and reviewing contractual documents related to the Court’s operations.
• Sound knowledge of public communications and legal media relations, aiding in the preparation of press releases and judicial statements for external communication.
• Sound knowledge of judicial education and public outreach, supporting initiatives that enhance public understanding of the Court’s role and functions.

Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years of post-qualification experience in legal research, judicial support, or litigation.
• Proven experience in legal drafting, case analysis, and judgment writing.
• Experience working within a court, tribunal, or legal advisory capacity is highly desirable.