Legal Officer

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform successfully in the function, the job incumbent must be an experienced legal practitioner, capable of performing the full range of duties associated with debt collection and recovery litigation, and be fully compliant with all Collections & Legal policy guidelines established by the Company from time to time, including but not limited to those listed hereunder:  

• Review assigned debt accounts and determine prospects of recovery and make related recommendations and render legal advice to clients and or debtors inclusive of recommendations for initiating legal proceedings, enforcement action, transfer to field collections, history or closure of cases within thirty (30) days of assignment with 100% accuracy. 

• Initiate within five (5) working days of recommendation, and with 100% accuracy legal collection and recovery action on debt accounts by establishing contact with debtors; inclusive of:
  • Making direct, telephone contact with debtors and negotiate settlement terms.
  • Authorising, organising and/or forwarding collection actions to debtors’ given addresses.
  • Requesting Locate support to determine debtors’ whereabouts. 

• Contribute to the maintenance of an effective enterprise-wide record management system by ensuring all records of legal collection and recovery action are updated in the requisite physical and electronic databases within three (3) days of preparation. 

• Negotiate with other parties including debtors, pre and post legal action, to achieve either an instalment contract or advance to file legal proceedings. Where negotiations results in achievement of instalment contract, document proposed terms of settlement within forty-eight (48) hours and with100% accuracy, and obtain client’s acceptance, where required, within five (5) working days of all terms, including compromise terms. 

• Oversee and or execute the full range of activities related to filing and registering documents at various stages of the legal  process, inclusive of:
  • Examining and preparing documents to file claims within five (5) working days of being assigned.
  • Reviewing company searches related to dealing with corporate debtors within three (3) working days.
  • Monitoring every seven (7) working days the procedural steps and timing in the legal process to avoid expiration of claims. Re-issuing expired pleadings, where necessary, within 30 days of expiration. 
  • Preparation and filing of originating documents inclusive of defences where applicable, within the requisite statutory and other timelines of obtaining consent and required documentation from clients with 100% accuracy;      
  • Prepare and file all legal documents to obtain default judgment/judgment on admissions, register full satisfaction, release of judgments etc while verifying with 100% accuracy and completeness of documents within five (5) working days of receipt from support staff before returning for filing. 

• Where necessary, otherwise represent the company in all litigation matters. This includes:
  • Attending the Petty Civil Courts and Magistrates Courts for hearing of applications, conducting trials if necessary, obtaining orders and enforcement applications as and when required.
  • Attending the High Courts as Attorney on record for all stages of litigation as may be required by the group.
  • Responding within ten (10) working days or other legally stipulated deadlines to any correspondence received from attorneys for other parties on all legal matters assigned providing legal advice to company on, and responding appropriately to threats of suits. 

• Review of all documents filed by opposing parties and make a recommendation within five (5) working days from service as to whether the account should be returned to client or handled by the agency. Where a case is returned to client, the incumbent is expected to respond within five (5) working days to all requests for information from the client or its legal representative. This includes:
  • Liaising with clients when matters are taken over by other attorneys as and when required
  • Liaising with new attorneys and forwarding all pertinent information and documents as and when required. 

• Support the enforcement of judgments and advise on collection practices to secure the payment of monies owed/awarded by:
  • Providing legal advice to clients within two (2) weeks of obtaining judgment as to whether enforcement is feasible and the recommended course to be taken;
  • Filing within 1 month from obtaining client’s consent; Writs of Executions, applications for Oral Examination, Judgment Summons, Charging Orders, Garnishee Orders, Committal Orders or any other relevant enforcement mechanism.
  • Attending Court hearings to obtain the relevant orders and preparation of consent orders as and when required.
  • Building and maintaining functional networks with legally authorised enforcement personnel such as bailiffs or other requisite service providers to the Company.
  • Preparing Court Minutes/Notes and relevant updates to clients within five (5) working days following each Court appearance. 

• Provide counsel and advice on legal matters by:
  • Researching and advising on all points of law for the group of companies within two (2) weeks of receipt of instructions.
  • Advising clients on debt collection related matters within five (5) working days of request.
  • Reviewing of all relevant documents such as deeds, agreements, contracts and leases on behalf of the group of companies within three (3) working days of receipt.
  • Preparing contracts, leases or other legal documentation/non-contentious work within ten (10) working days or other set deadline from the date of request.
  • Providing advice and input and where relevant, assisting with or drafting internal policies for use across the group of Companies.
  • Providing legal advice, written opinions and support where required to all internal stakeholders.
  • Providing input, written advice and relevant legal services in procurement, vendor and stakeholder management, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, human resources & industrial relations and other areas impacting day to day operations.
  • Monitoring Competitors, Affiliates, Partners and industry to recommend services aligned with strategic objectives across the group of Companies.
  • Timely and accurate preparation and submission of written work status reports as agreed with Line Manager.
  • Assisting with the preparation and management of the Legal Services Department’s budgets, etc. 

• Effective supervision of direct reports within the Legal Services Department through Human Resource related activities of the team to ensure growth and development to achieve department objectives and sustainability. This includes reviewing employee performance to identify strategies for gap closure and development, providing training, coaching and mentoring opportunities so that staff are best positioned to achieve the departmental objectives, and treating with all disciplinary matters including recommending appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with Company policies and procedures. 

• Perform other duties that may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

• Qualification as an Attorney-at-Law – LLB & L.E.C. and certified to practise in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in accordance with The Legal Profession Act (and all amendments as applicable).
• Background in commercial/debt collection/general civil area of law would be an asset.

EXPERIENCE 

• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a similar position.
• Proven proficiency in Computer literacy in MS Office.
• Proven experience and proficiency in conducting legal research.

SKILLS, ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work independently on an assigned portfolio and utilize professional discretion and judgment in such matters at all times.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong advocacy skills.
• Effective negotiation skills.
• Effective influencing skills.
• Probative.
• Confidential and unquestionable integrity.
• Strong human relations skills.
• Excellent customer service orientation.
• Strong deadline orientation.
• Excellent follow up skills.
• Flexible and adaptable.