Deputy Attorney General

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Deputy Attorney General, within the Attorney General's Chambers, Montserrat.

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Deputy Attorney General, within the Attorney General's Chambers, Montserrat.

JOB PURPOSE

To assist the Attorney General in providing comprehensive legal service to and on behalf of all levels of the Government of Montserrat, statutory corporations, committees and boards. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Representing the Government of Montserrat in Civil, and Commercial proceedings before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council;
• Providing legal advice to the Governor, Ministers, all Government Departments, Ministries, Statutory Corporations and Committees on a wide range of activities;
• Drafting and supervising the drafting of contractual documentation such as agreements and leases, to which the Governor’s Office, or the Government of Montserrat is a party;
• Represent the Attorney General on regional and international bodies as assigned;
• Assist the Attorney General with:
• Providing advice on legal issues arising with respect to the proceedings of Cabinet and the Assembly and other matters relating thereto; 
• Establishing clear objectives for the Attorney General’s Chambers in relation to provision of legal advice and services to clients, communicating these clearly to staff, ensuring that the Chambers are managed in such a way as to promote the realization of those objectives; 
• Managing the resources at the disposal of the Attorney General’s Chambers.  This includes the duties and responsibilities of Accounting Officer; 
• Providing supervision and guidance to Legal Counsel within the Chambers;
• Supervision of and the development and management of staff performance;
• Managing a law revision programme for Montserrat;
• Performing duties as the principal point of national or international contact in relation to the laws of Montserrat;
• Act as Attorney General, in the absence of the Attorney General and perform the functions given to the Attorney General by Statute.
• Performing any other related duties as required by the Attorney General, Governor or Deputy Governor in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Attorney General’s Chambers.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS

The applicant should:

• Be an Attorney at Law qualified to practice in a Commonwealth jurisdiction;
• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, and Legal Education Certificate, or equivalent in addition to Professional qualification;
• Have a Legal Education Certificate or admission as an Attorney at Law, Barrister or Solicitor;
• Have at least twelve (12) years post call experience in active legal practice;
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of Government structure, policies and procedures;
• Possess a sound knowledge of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Procedure Rules or similar Court Procedure Rules;
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of and experience in Court proceedings;
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of legal principles, practices and proceedings;
• Possess extensive experience in civil litigation and providing legal advice on complex legal issues;
• Possess excellent analytical, and legal research skills;
• Possess effective oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently.
• Demonstrate an ability to prepare clear and concise reports;
• Demonstrate an ability to work under pressure.
• Possess analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to make interpretations and sound recommendations;
• Possess sound interpersonal and organisations skills, leadership qualities and the ability to effectively motivate others;
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively at all levels;
• Be computer literate.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be made on a contractual basis for a period of two (2) years.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the successful applicant.

OTHER ALLOWANCES

A Market Premium may be considered based on qualifications and experience. A Housing Allowance would be payable to eligible Applicants. On satisfactory completion of contract, a contract gratuity at the rate of 12.5% of the basic salary would be payable.