Senior Crown Counsel

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Senior Crown Counsel, within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Senior Crown Counsel, within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).

JOB PURPOSE

To render advice on a range of criminal matters, appear at every level of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and assist with the delivery of training to the Royal Montserrat Police Service and other agencies. Specifically, the post of Senior Crown Counsel will concentrate on the following deliverables: 

• Support the DPP to deliver office targets including timely processing of criminal proceedings  
• Conduct criminal proceedings in accordance with established principles,  
• Take particular responsibility for criminal proceedings in the areas of money laundering/proceeds of crime/asset recovery,  
• Mentor/Train junior counsel to fulfill their role, 
• Contribute to the ongoing strengthening of the Montserrat criminal justice system

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prosecution of criminal cases in the Magistrates’ Court and in the Criminal Division of the High Court; as well as represent the Crown, whether alone or along with the DPP or other Crown Counsel as required in Criminal Appeals at the Court of Appeal. 
• Advise the Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies, including, but not limited to, Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise and Revenue Services in their investigation of cases and on all criminal matters.  This includes advice in relation to: 
• What criminal charges are appropriate based on the material available; 
• Whether there is sufficient, cogent material to support a charge; 
• The admissibility of evidence; 
• The current state of the law; 
• Whether a case should be tried summarily or on indictment; 
• The disclosure of material relevant to the case; 
• Legal Submissions with case authorities;
• Additional areas of investigation; 
• Securing exhibits.
• Provide direction, mentorship, guidance and advice to junior prosecutors in their handling of summary cases. 
• Provide opinions and advice to other government agencies or departments on matters which have implications for the criminal law. 
• Represent the Government of Montserrat/Office of the DPP at conferences, workshops, seminars whether locally or abroad on matters relating to or touching on and concerning prosecution. 
• Follow all guidance and directions issued by the DPP to ensure that decisions in all cases are appropriate and correct. 
• Train Crown Counsel in the prosecution of offences such as Money Laundering Frauds, white collar crime and Drug offences.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS

The Candidate must:-

• Be a Barrister or Solicitor of no less than 7 years’ practice experience in the prosecution of Criminal offences.
• Have a working knowledge of the Proceeds of Crime Act with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience. Reported cases in this area would be an asset.
• Possess at minimum an LLB or its equivalent and should be entitled to practise in any Commonwealth Jurisdiction.
• Possesses experience in mentoring of junior counsel.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT

The terms and conditions applicable for this appointment, include:

• A contractual appointment for a period of two (2) years, with a gratuity payable upon successful completion.
• Remuneration is negotiable and commensurate with experience.