Legal Officer I

Legal Officer I

Location: Port of Spain

Employment Type: Contract

Salary: TT$15,400

JOB DESCRIPTION

Definition

The incumbent is required to perform professional legal work. Duties include appearing in court, providing legal advice and opinions and drafting legal documents on the matters involving the Queen’s Hall Board/Management. Depending on assignment, the incumbent may be required to perform some or the full range of the duties of the position. The incumbent reports directly to the General Manager.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Important and Essential duties:

• Represents Queen’s Hall on matters before the courts.
• Provides advice on the less complex legal matters.
• Drafts the less complex legal documents and assists in the drafting of the more complex documents including contracts, leases and memorandums of agreements.
• Conducts research, interprets laws, rules and regulations and prepares legal opinions and briefs in respect of the less complex legal matters.
• Provides advice by supplying legal authorities based on research.
• Assists in performing court case preparation work such as interviewing witnesses, taking depositions and preparing pre-trial briefs and draft pleadings for filing.
• Assists in reviewing existing legislation, rules and regulations related to the
• Queen’s Hall operations and recommending appropriate amendments.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of an up to date repository of laws, judgments, contract precedents and related materials in respect of the Queen’s Hall operations.
• Drafts Cabinet /Ministerial Notes, memoranda, letters and other documents on legal matters.
• Copies and collates relevant documents.
• Performs other duties as required.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications:

Key Competencies

• Knowledge of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Knowledge of legal principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of legal research methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of the court procedures and practices and of rules of evidence.
• Some knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the Ministry/Department's operations.
• Some knowledge of legal drafting principles and methods.
• Proficiency in the use if Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skill in the use of personal computers.
• Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.
• Ability to use the internet for research purposes.
• Skill in drafting legal documents/instruments.
• Ability to interpret and analyse the law and legal issues.
• Ability to present and explain statements of fact and the law, and to argue clearly and logically both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and members of the public.

Working Conditions

• Can be demanding mentally
• May require long hours
• Will have to work with multiple tight deadlines.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Law Degree from a recognised institution.
• Legal Education Certificate or equivalent from a recognised institution.
• Admission to practice Law in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Minimum two (2) years-experience