JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent is required to perform work involving the conduct of research related to the laws and legal issues pertinent to the operations of the Ministry/Department. Duties include preparing legal documents and developing and maintaining a repository of documents on legal matters. Dependent on assignment, the incumbent may be required to perform the full range or some of the duties listed.

REPORTS TO: Head, Legal Services Division or other designated officer.

SUPERVISION GIVEN TO: N/A

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts research on legal issues relating to the Ministry’s/Department’s operations and prepares written opinions, working papers and reports thereon.
• Undertakes extensive review of legal documents, instruments and other material identifies issues and proposes amendments.
• Prepares briefs and preliminary drafts of legislative legal material pertaining to the Ministry’s/Department’s portfolio.
• Develops and maintains an up to date repository of laws, judgments, contract precedents and other related material pertinent to the Ministry’s/Department’s operations.
• Contributes to the review and formulation of recommendations to amend legislation pertinent to the Ministry/Department.
• Assists in the drafting of Cabinet/Ministerial Notes on legal matters.
• Assists in the drafting of legal documents such as contracts, agreements, opinion and briefs; and prepares
  memoranda, letters and other documents.
• Represents the Ministry/Department on committees and at meetings, conferences and workshops.
• Liaises with other divisions and external agencies regarding the work of the Division.
• Copies and collates relevant documents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE

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

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skill in the use of personal computers.
• Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.
• Ability to use the internet for research purposes.
• Ability to conduct legal research work of varying complexity.
• Ability to analyse and interpret law and legal issues.
• Ability to present and explain statements of fact and the law 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 two (2) years’ experience in legal research.
• Bachelor of Law Degree from a recognized institution.