Paralegal

Key Responsibility Areas

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Research and analyse sources of law, such as statutes (for example, the Constitution, the Customs Act and regulations and the Revenue Laws), Legal Articles, Treaties, Tariffs and Case Law to prepare legal documents such as Briefs, Statement of Case, Appeals, Contracts etc for review and use by the Legal team.
• Prepare affidavits, witness statements and other similar documents.
• Review the facts and law of a case to determine causes of action.
• File statements of a case with the registry of relevant Courts (e.g. Parish Court, Supreme Court, or Court of Appeal)
• Assist with the records and case file management of the Division.
• Assist with the handling of matters related to:
  • Disciplinary Proceedings
  • Proceedings before the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT).
  • Revenue Appeals Division (RAD) matters
  • Proceedings before the Courts
  • The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)
  • Criminal and civil issues concerning breaches of the Customs Laws.
  • Legislative Reviews.
• Draft responses to requests for information.
• Attend court to assist team members when required.
• Conduct legal research to assist team members from time to time.
• Sit in on pre-trial conferences with the possibility of conducting follow-up.
• Provide information to facilitate the preparation of legal opinions.

Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• Ensure that legal documents are filed within the specified/required time frames.
• Assist with performing administrative duties concerning records management for meetings.
• Maintain an accurate diary of matters within the Division.
• Perform quality assurance and editorial checks with legal forms and documents.
• Assess files and requests, where required, better and further particulars, including statements.
• Review statements and request amendments, if necessary.

Customer Service Responsibilities

• Maintain customer service principles, standards, and measurements.
• Identify and incorporate the interests and needs of customers in business process design. 
• Ensure critical success factors are identified and meet expectations.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform all other duties and functions as may be required occasionally.  
• May be required to provide witness statements, attend court proceedings, and give evidence. 
• Comply with Health & Safety Policies & Procedures.

Required Competencies

Core

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills
• Strong customer relations and interpersonal skills
• Excellent planning, time management and organising skills.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to effectively function in a team environment.
• Ability to work quickly and under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Observant with a solid attention to detail.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, ethics, and ability to keep confidentiality.

Technical

• Advanced IT skills concerning the Microsoft Office Suite Applications
• Appreciation of legal strategies and rules of statutory interpretation.
• Working knowledge of Customs-related legislation and regulations, particularly the Tax Laws and Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), or keen willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of business laws, commercial practices, international trade and policies, or keen willingness to learn.
• Good knowledge of litigation practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic investigative policies and methods.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in law, history, social sciences or equivalent qualification

OR 

• Certificate in Legal Studies

OR

• Paralegal training with certification.
• At least two (2) years’ experience as a paralegal.
• Training in records management and exposure to office management.

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard equipment and specialised software. 
• The environment is fast-paced, with ongoing interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines, which will result in high degrees of pressure on occasion.
• Will be required to attend court proceedings regularly and liaise with court administrators/clerks.
• A fair degree of travelling required (<70%) regularly in the normal execution of duties island-wide, including travelling locally to attend conferences, seminars, and meetings.