Crown Counsel (JLG/LO 3)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction and management of the Senior Assistant Attorney General, the Crown Counsel provides advice and guidance on a range of legal matters to support the work of the Minister and Permanent Secretary in the strategic management of the Ministry. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Conducts a range of legal research to provide legal guidance and support in furtherance of the mission critical functions of the Ministry and its subjects; 
• Prepares written opinions and advice on a range of legal matters impacting the Ministry and its subjects; 
• Provides legal support to the Ministry and its subjects in the preparation of Cabinet Submissions and Drafting Instructions in respect of items on the legislative programme; 
• Provides legal support to Ministry during policy development in relation to matters to form part of the legislative programme; 
• Assists in the preparation of Bills for tabling and provides 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 DSG; 
• Prepares briefs for the review of the Senior Assistant AG for the attention of the Department of Legal Reform or the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, requesting comments on draft Cabinet Submissions; 
• Provides comments on draft Bills or 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; 
• Provides legal advice to Ministry on all areas of law; 
• Represent 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; 
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, maintaining membership in professional organizations and participating in AGC initiatives. 

Management/Administrative: 

• Contributes to the development of the LSU’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. 

Human Resource: 

• Participates in preparation and implementation of presentations on role of Division/Unit for the Orientation/On-boarding programme; 
• Contributes and maintains a harmonious working environment; 
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time by Senior Assistant Attorney-General and respective senior executives in the Ministry. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent interpersonal and team management skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Strong leadership skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills 
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills 
• Ability to influence and motivate others 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Technical: 

• Excellent legal research and analytical skills 
• In-depth and extensive knowledge of the Laws of Jamaica and the broad field of law or practice relating to Constitutional and Legislative Affairs 
• Highly developed knowledge of the mandate, objectives, strategies, policies and environment of the AGC-HQ and assigned LSUs 
• Excellent knowledge of the English legal system and the legal framework of Government
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills, and the ability to communicate legal information in a manner which can be understood by decision makers and users 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and convictions of purpose in unfavourable or unpopular situations 
• Problem solving and negotiation/facilitation skills and experience 
• An excellent understanding of the machinery of government, including particularly the Jamaican context and the current challenges facing the GOJ 
• Ability to create commitment to a strong and consistent customer service philosophy
• Energy and resilience; the personal capacity to see the bigger picture and be able to navigate obstacles, ambiguity and change 
• Advanced IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, Excel and MS Project and associated legal software 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB); 
• 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. 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; 
• May be required to travel locally and internationally to attend conferences, seminars and meetings.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.