Legal Officer II Full Time NEW

Job Description
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.
Key and Critical 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 pretrials 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.

Key Competencies
KNOWLEDGE

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

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
– Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
– Skills in the use of personal computers.
– Skills in drafting legal documents/instruments.
– Skills in negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
– Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.
– Ability to use the internet for research purposes.
– Ability to supervise legal officers performing professional legal work.
– Ability to analyze and interpret laws and regulations.
– Ability to present and explain statements of facts 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 eight (8) years experience as a practicing Attorney at Law.
– Bachelor of Law Degree from a recognized institution.
– Admission to practice law in Trinidad and Tobago.