Crown Counsel (JLG/LO 3)

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Contributes to the development of the Legal Services Unit’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; 
• Prepares reports and project documents, as required; 
• Prepares and delivers legal presentations, as needed. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Conducts a range of legal research, to provide legal guidance and support, in furtherance of the mission-critical functions of the Ministry, its Departments and Agencies; 
• Prepares written opinions and advice on a range of legal matters impacting the Ministry, its Departments and Agencies; 
• Provides legal support to the Ministry, its Departments and Agencies, during all aspects of the legislative process, commencing at the development of the policy; 
• Assists in the preparation of Bills for tabling, and provides legal support in the preparation of the Minister’s Briefs; 
• Prepares, assists, reviews and amends legal documents or instruments required by the Ministry and its subjects; 
• Drafts or reviews Agreements, Contracts or Memoranda of Understanding; 
• Prepares legal Briefs to the Senior Assistant Attorney-General, to support the escalation of nuance or highly complex legal matters or matters of national importance, to obtain legal advice from the Deputy Solicitor General (DSG); 
• Prepares Briefs for the review of the Senior Assistant Attorney-General for the attention of the Legal Reform Department, requesting comments on draft Cabinet Submissions or otherwise on law reform matters; 
• Prepares Briefs for the review of the Senior Assistant Attorney-General for the attention of the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel requesting comments on draft Cabinet Submissions, to prepare draft legislation and providing feedback on draft legislation; 
• Provides legal advice on draft legislation and draft policy papers submitted by other Ministries or Departments; 
• Responds to queries or provides information, as necessary or required; 
• Assists in preparing, collating and executing Affidavits and other evidentiary matters in litigation involving the Ministry or its Subjects; 
• Follows-up and provides updates on legal matters and attends Hearings on behalf of the Ministry; 
• Reviews and advises on legal implications of internal policies and procedures; 
• Represents the Ministry by participating on Inter-Ministerial Committees or Teams, in relation to legislation or policy, in which the Ministry has an interest; 
• Remains current on GOJ policies/initiatives, in an effort to add value and inform decision making; 
• Attends Court to provide support and instructions to the Attorney General’s Chambers or the Director of Public Prosecution, as required; 
• Marshalls evidence in Disciplinary Hearings; 
• Interviews Witnesses; 
• Drafts Witness Statements; 
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, maintaining membership in professional organizations and participating in AGC initiatives. 

Human Resource: 

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

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Good interpersonal skills 
• Teamwork and co-operation 
• Good oral and written communication skills 
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Good customer and quality focus skills 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Good time management skills 
• Ability to use sound judgment 
• Integrity
• Initiative
• Compliance 

Technical: 

• Excellent report writing skills 
• Good legal research and analytical skills
• Good knowledge of the Laws of Jamaica and the broad field of Public Law
• Good knowledge of the mandate, objectives, strategies, policies, and environment of the Ministry, its Department, Agencies, the AGC and the Legal Services Unit 
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate legal information in a manner that can be understood by decision-makers and users 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and convictions of purpose in unfavourable or unpopular situations 
• Sound negotiation/facilitation skills and experience 
• A good understanding of the machinery of Government, including particularly the Jamaican context and the current challenges facing the GOJ
• Energy and resilience; the personal capacity to see the bigger picture and be able to navigate obstacles, ambiguity and change 
• Sound IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, Excel and MS Project and associated legal software 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree from an accredited Institution; 
• Certificate in Legal Education; 
• Three (3) years progressive experience at the Bar. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software, with the possibility of being able to work off-site, with appropriate approvals; 
• The environment is fast-paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines, which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions;
• Extended hours may be required, to meet deadlines; 
• May be required to travel locally and internationally, on work related matters. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.