Assistant Crown Counsel (JLG LO 2) – Litigation and State Proceedings Division

Key Responsibility

Technical/Professional: 

• Advocates in the Courts of Jamaica by employing knowledge of the law, relevant documentation and examples of relevant case law in arguing the GOJ’s case;
• Files documents initiating legal proceedings in the Supreme Court and/or Parish Court on behalf of the Director of State Proceedings; 
• Interviews witnesses, records preliminary statements from witnesses, review documents, interviews clients 
• Writes for instructions and follows-up on matters relating to investigation of claims;
• Collaborates with key stakeholders to investigate allegations and formulates responses to the claimant’s complaint; 
• Drafts and files with the Courts of Jamaica various pleadings and motions;
• Formulates skeleton arguments and strategy for a range of cases; 
• Attends Case Management conferences/meetings to fully understand all issues and provide timetable for the events leading up to the trial and related matters;
• Engages in mediation discussions to eliminate/minimize the risk and cost of going to trial;
• Negotiates settlements and settles claims; 
• Reviews and critiques opinion-based evidence drawn from subject matter experts;
• Advises, consults with, and briefs the Deputy Solicitor-General and Senior Assistant Attorney General, et al., on the status of all assigned cases; 
• Helps to coordinate the preparation and litigation assignments of paralegals and administrative staff; 
• Remains current on GOJ policies/initiatives in an effort to add value and inform decision making; 
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, maintaining membership in professional organizations and participating in AGC initiatives.

Management/Administrative 

• Contributes to the development of the LSU’s Strategic and Operational Plan and Budget;
• Develops Individual Work Plans based on alignment to the Division’s Plan;
• Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences as required;
• Maintains customer service principles, standards and measurements;
• Prepares reports and project documents, as required; 
• Prepares and delivers legal presentations, as needed. 

Human Resources 

• Participates in preparation and implementation of presentations on role of Division/Unit for the Orientation/On-boarding programme; 
• Contributes and maintains a harmonious working environment. 
• Performs all other related duties and functions as may be required from time to time by Senior Assistant Attorney-General and respective senior executives in the Ministry. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Core 

• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills 
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Technical 

• Good legal research and analytical skills; 
• Good knowledge of the Laws of Jamaica and the broad field of law or practice relating to Advocacy and Litigation; 
• Good knowledge of the English Legal System and the legal framework of Government;
• Ability to analyse and interpret changes in the economic, political and social environment and the legal implications to the operations of the GOJ; 
• Excellent written and verbal communication including presentation skills and the ability to communicate legal information in a manner which can be understood by decision makers and users; 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and convictions of purpose in unfavourable or unpopular situations; 
• Problem solving and negotiation/facilitation skills and experience; 
• Ability to create commitment to a strong and consistent customer service philosophy;
• Advanced IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, Excel and MS Project and associated legal software. 

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB); 
• Legal Education Certificate

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.