Legal Officer (Chaguanas)

The Legal Officer supports the Legal Counsel/Corporate Secretary by ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, managing legal risks, and providing guidance across the JMMB TT entities.

Job Summary:

The Legal Officer provides legal support to the Legal Counsel/Corporate Secretary, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. The Legal Officer provides legal support to the JMMB TT entities by reviewing documents, advising on regulatory matters, assisting with litigation, and ensuring the entities’ operations adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. This role involves working closely with internal departments, external counsel, and to manage legal risks and support the entities’ strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice on matters related to banking, regulatory compliance, contracts, credit and recoveries, employment, procurement, and general corporate law. Interpret and advise on local legislation including the Financial Institutions Act, Securities Act, and other relevant laws. Review and draft policies, procedures, and internal guidelines. Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on issues affecting the Bank’s operations. 
• Review, draft, and negotiate legal documents including contracts, loan agreements, security documentation, NDAs, service agreements, demand letters, pre-action protocol letters, responses to Attorney letters and MOUs. Ensure all contracts comply with internal standards and regulatory requirements. 
• Assist with litigation management, including liaising with external counsel, preparing briefs, affidavits, and instructions for counsel and monitoring case progress. Attend court, regulatory hearings, or mediations where required. Attend BATT legal committee meetings as Alternate to Legal Counsel.
• Respond to legal queries from branches and business units. Provide guidance on onboarding complex clients, security perfection, loan documentation, and contractual obligations.
• Support the drafting and review of internal policies, procedures, and frameworks to align with laws and best practices. Monitor changes in legislation and advise relevant departments on updates and required actions.

Qualifications (Education & Certification):

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Legal Education Certificate (LEC) required.
• Admission to practice as an Attorney-at-Law in Trinidad & Tobago.

Experience:

• Minimum 2–5 years’ post-qualification experience, preferably within a financial institution, corporate environment, or law firm.
• Experience in corporate secretarial functions, corporate governance, or banking law is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of: Companies Act of T&T, Financial Institutions Act, Securities Act, Contract and commercial law

 Other (Skills):

• Excellent legal drafting and analytical skills.
• Excellent research ability and attention to detail.
• Sound understanding of financial services laws and commercial practices.
• Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with senior executives and Board members.
• High level of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple matters simultanously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with document management systems.
• Detail-oriented and solutions-driven.
• Strong ethical judgment.
• Discreet and trustworthy.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.