Applications are invited to be assigned to the following post in the Litigation Division and State Proceedings, Attorney
General’s Chambers (AGC): Assistant Attorney-General (JLG/LO 4) – (Not Vacant), salary range $3,288,646 -
$3,909,166 per annum and any allowance(s) attached to the post.
Job Purpose
Under the general direction and leadership of the Deputy Solicitor-General-Litigation and State Proceedings, the Assistant Attorney-General prepares for and conducts trials and advises on pleadings and other Court filings for a range of complex legal claims brought by or against the Government of Jamaica (GOJ).
Key Responsibilities
Technical:
- Advocates in the Courts of Jamaica on behalf of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government; initiates legal proceedings in the Supreme Court on behalf of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government who seek the representation of the Attorney-General’s Chambers;
- Reviews incoming cases to assess the type of case, identifies legal issues, and determines pending deadlines and initial Court appearances;
- Formulates strategy for a range of cases;
- Writes for instructions and follows-up on matters relating to claims;
- Interviews witnesses and meets with clients;
- Conducts a range of complex legal research;
- Drafts pleadings and other Court documents;
- Appears as Counsel at the Industrial Disputes Tribunal; the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal;
- Engages in Court mandated mediations;
- Negotiates settlements and settles claims;
- Writes opinions for various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government in litigious matters;
- Advises, consults with, and briefs the Senior Assistant Attorney General, on the status of all assigned cases;
- Oversees and helps to co-ordinate the preparation of Litigation assignments of paralegals and administrative staff;
- Responds to queries or provide information as necessary or required;
- 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 Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) initiatives.
Administrative:
- Liaises with MDAs in relation to legal matters referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC);
- Contributes to the development of the 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 other documents as required;
- Prepares and delivers legal presentations as needed.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Core:
- Excellent interpersonal
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong client relations skills
- Excellent planning and organizing skills
- Excellent judgment and decision-making skills
- Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications
Technical:
- Excellent presentation and advocacy skills
- 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 advocacy and litigation
- Excellent oral and written communication including 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
- Good strategic and analytical skills to enable them to advise on complex issues
- IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, Excel and MS Project and associated legal software
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree;
- Certificate in Legal Education;
- Five to six (5-6) years experience at the Bar as an Advocate.
Applications accompanied by résumés should be submitted no later than Tuesday July 27, 2021 to:
Director, Human Resource Management and Administration
Attorney General’s Chambers
2 Oxford Road (NCB Towers) (First Floor)
Kingston 5
Email: hrm@agc.gov.jm
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.