Public Defender

A.    Duties and Responsibilities

 1. Providing legal defence advice to, and representing, indigent defendants and other eligible persons—

       a. Upon order of the court or request of an eligible client, providing constitutional legal representation to persons      accused of criminal offenses who are financially unable to employ private counsel, ensuring adherence toprinciples of equality, justice, and the right to a fair trial.

       b.  Assigning individual attorneys-at-law, whether in-house or from the established panel of private attorneys-at-law, to            handle specific cases.

       c.  Analyzing evidence and determining whether plea negotiations and agreements are the most appropriate mechanisms for resolving the case in the best interest of clients.

       d.  Appearing in court as a defence attorney if and when appropriate.

       e. Reviewing case outcomes, in consultation with clients, and determine whether convictions should be appealed to      higher courts.

2. Directing and overseeing the Public Defender’s Department of the Access to Justice Authority (PDD)—

a. Providing guidance to the Crown Counsel I (Junior Crown Counsel) in the conduct and progress of legal defence matters.

 b. Developing, recommending, formulating, and implementing policies, programs, procedures, goals, and standards for the PDD in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the judiciary, bar associations, and civil society organizations.

c. Providing leadership, direction, and guidance for the development of strategic and tactical operational plans to achieve the PDD's long and short term goals and objectives, ensuring a human rights-based approach.

 3. Establishing a panel of Attorneys-at-Law who are willing to act for persons receiving criminal defence aid, at the prescribed remuneration—

a. Ensuring that the selection of attorneys for the panel is based on clear criteria, including experience, competency, and ethical standing.

 b. Promoting continuous professional development (training sessions on legal reforms, advocacy, and best practices) for in-house attorneys and panel members in collaboration with the Ministry.

 c. Ensuring an equitable and efficient case assignment system, considering expertise and availability.

 d. Upon completion of an assignment by any Attorney-at-Law from the panel, certifying for payment to theAttorney-at-Law the prescribed fees for any work done by the Attorney-at-Law.

 e. Implementing processes for auditing and monitoring claims to prevent misuse of resources and ensure accountability.

 4. Overseeing reporting systems for collecting and analyzing data on case management, and outcomes to inform policy decisions and improve operational efficiency.

5. Preparing and publishing periodic reports on the activities, achievements, and challenges of the Public Defender's Office to promote transparency and public trust

6. Collaborating with government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to address systemicchallenges, including case backlogs and access to justice for marginalized groups.

7. Planning, organizing, and directing, in collaboration with the Ministry, the programs, functions, budget, operations,and staff of the PDD. This includes maintaining a client-centered approach and aligning efforts with broader strategic objectives of the justice system.

 8. Directing operations to maximize efficiency, improve service levels, reduce administrative and service provisioncosts, ensure accountability, and implementing measures for effective utilization of resources, including regular performance monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

 9. Implementing, in collaboration with the Ministry, a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the performance of the PDD, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and key performance indicators.

 10. Engaging in community outreach initiatives to enhance public awareness of the services provided by the PDD and the right to legal representation.

 11. Implementing protocols to identify and address conflicts of interest, ensuring that all cases are managed impartially and ethically.

 12. Performing such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Minister.

B.    Qualifications and Experience

1. Bachelor of Laws Degree.
2. Legal Education Certificate issued by one of the three Caribbean Council of Legal Education Law Schools.
3. Minimum of 8 years’ experience at the Criminal Bar within the Commonwealth Caribbean.

C.    Skills, Knowledge and Abilities 

1. Excellent advocacy skills.
2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

      3. Strong leadership and management skills.

      4. Sound working knowledge of the Laws of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

      5. Sound working knowledge of, and ability to, interpret legislation, rules and orders.

      6. Sound working knowledge of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Procedure Rules.

      7. Sound knowledge of legal principles, practices and proceedings.