Legal Officer II

JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent is required to perform professional legal work in a Ministry/Department. Duties include appearing in court, providing legal advice and opinions, and drafting legal documents on matters involving the Ministry/Department. Depending on assignment, the incumbent may be required to perform some or the full range of the duties of the position.

REPORTS TO: Senior Legal Officer or designated officer

SUPERVISION GIVEN TO: N/A

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Represents the Ministry/Department in court and before tribunals.
  • Advises on legal issues relating to the administration, interpretation and enforcement of laws relative to the
    Ministry’s/Department’s operations.
  • Drafts complex legal documents including contracts, leases and agreements.
  • Provides legal opinions and briefs in respect of complex legal issues.
  • Prepares instructions for submission to state central legal agencies on legal matters involving the state.
  • Performs court cases preparation work such as interviewing witnesses, taking depositions and preparing pre- trials briefs and draft pleadings for filing.
  • Assists in planning, directing, coordinating and formulating legal policies and programmes of the Ministry/Department.
  • Conducts research and analysis, and reports on legal matters pertinent to the Ministry’s/Department’s operation.
  • Conducts or participates in negotiations/consultations with external/internal parties.
  • Participates in or conducts the review of existing legislation, rules and regulations related to the
    Ministry/Department and recommends/drafts appropriate amendments.
  • Represents the Ministry/Department on committees and meetings and other fora.
  • Prepares Cabinet/Ministerial Notes, memoranda, letters and other documents on legal matters.
  • Performs other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE

  • Considerable knowledge of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Knowledge of legal principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of the laws and regulations pertinent to the Ministry’s/Department’s operations.
  • Knowledge of legal drafting principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of legal research skills and techniques.
  • Knowledge of the court procedures and practices and of rules of evidence.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Skill in the use of personal computers.
  • Skill in drafting legal documents/instruments.
  • Skill in negotiation and mediation.
  • Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.
  • Ability to use the internet for research purposes.
  • Ability to analyse and interpret laws and legal issues.
  • Ability to present and explain statements of fact and the law, and to argue
    clearly and logically, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow
    employees and members of the public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

  • Minimum of four (4) years’ experience as a practicing Attorney at law.
  • Bachelor of Law Degree from a recognised institution.
  • Legal Education Certificate or equivalent from a recognised institution.
  • Admission to practice law in Trinidad and Tobago.

Submit Application

  1. Ensure that files for upload are named according to the following format:
    Firstname_Lastname_Coverletter
    Firstname_Lastname_resume
    Firstname_Lastname_Document1
  2. Use the “Select or drop files” button to submit your application