Paralegal (PLG/LS 4)

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Director, Civil Prosecutions, the incumbent is responsible for providing efficient paralegal services to the Civil Prosecutions Branch to ensure the successful prosecution of Civil Recovery, Cash Forfeiture, and all other civil cases (along with occasional criminal cases) being pursued by the Department within established policies. 

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts legal research on behalf of Attorneys using several sources, including electronic databases such as Lexis Nexis, etc. and prepares timely and accurate first drafts of guidance notes, preliminary opinions and submissions, case briefs, pleadings and orders; 
• Interrogates multi-media case files to retrieve documents and images, telecommunications data, and witness statements etc., in preparation for depositions, hearings and trial;
• Ensures that case diaries and databases are maintained and up-to-date;
• Attends Court with attorneys as may be required from time to time; 
• Supports the Department’s internal Training and Staff Development programme by conducting legal research and making legal presentations at internal workshops and seminars; 
• Liaises with the Legal departments of local, regional and international Partner Agencies (including the ODPP and Attorney General’s Chambers) to enhance Jamaica’s international; standing regarding Money Laundering and Terrorism/Proliferation Financing Risk factors. 
• Monitors resources to ensure presence of sufficient and appropriate tools to enable the undertaking of duties efficiently and effectively. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Excellent research and organisational skills 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Working knowledge of applicable laws and regulations governing Major Organized Crimes 
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation, Court Rules, civil practice and procedure and evidential procedure in Jamaica 
• Working knowledge of case preparation, including evidence gathering and handling
• High level of ICT literacy (Microsoft Office suite) and use of analytical reporting tools would be a significant asset 
• General trainability and overall flexibility 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Certification as a Paralegal 
• At least 3 years’ experience as a paralegal, or similar role 
• Tertiary level education (advantageous) 
• Public sector paralegal experience would be an asset

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted