Legal Officer II

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.
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* 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, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
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, mediation and arbitration.

* Ability to use e-Government technology platforms

* Ability to use the internet for research purposes.

* Ability to analyse and interpret laws and regulations.

* Ability to present and explain statements of fact and the law logically, orally and in writing.

* Ability to maintain confidentiality.* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, colleagues 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 recognized institution.

* Legal Education Certificate or equivalent from a recognized institution.

* Admission to practice Law in Trinidad and Tobago.