Crown Counsel (JLG/LO 3)

KEY OUTPUTS

• Legal research conducted. 
• Legal reports produced and submitted 
• Legal Advice and Opinions provided 
• Legal documents prepared and submitted 
• Cabinet Submissions and draft legislation reviewed, and comments provided
• Disciplinary hearings administered 
• Ministry Represented at Meetings 
• Individual workplan prepared 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• 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 Responsibilities 

• Conducts a range of legal research to provide legal guidance and support in furtherance of the mission-critical functions of the Ministry and its Departments and Agencies; 
• Prepares written opinions and advice on a range of legal matters impacting the Ministry and its Departments and Agencies; 
• Provides legal support to the Ministry and 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 provide 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 provide 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 Resources Responsibilities 

• Participates in the preparation and implementation of presentations on the role of Division/Unit for the Orientation/On-boarding programme; 
• Contributes and maintains a harmonious working environment. 

Other Responsibilities 

• 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. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Legal research and provision of legal advice, opinions and reports conducted and provided according to evidence-based legal methodologies and agreed timeframes;
• Legal documents prepared in keeping with agreed standards and timeframes;
• Cabinet Submissions and draft Bills reviewed, and comments provided accords with legal principles and practices, as well completed in the agreed timeframes;
• Legal advice provided are supported by evidence, rule of law and agreed timeframes;
• Disciplinary Hearings administered in accordance with GOJ standards and within the agreed timeframe. 
• Ministry represented at meetings/committees as required 
• Individual workplan developed in accordance with agreed standards, formats and timeframes; 
• Confidentiality, integrity, and sensitivity displayed in the execution of duties. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core

• Good interpersonal skills
• Good teamwork and cooperation skills
• Good oral communication skills
• Good written communication skills
• Good analytical thinking skills
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Good customer and quality focus skills
• Good planning and organizing 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 LSU; 
• 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 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from an accredited institution; 
• Legal Education Certificate; 
• 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. 

AUTHORITY

• Develops legal opinions under the guidance of the Senior Assistant Attorney-General.

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