Are you an ambitious lawyer keen to play a key role in providing advice to the Government of Jersey and related bodies across a broad range of areas of civil law? We are looking for a very experienced lawyer to lead the Advice Team in the Civil Division.
This is a unique opportunity to join a group of lawyers who are involved in a wide cross section of civil legal work; this includes advising on constitutional and international law issues, financial services and trade matters, legislative reform, sanctions and human rights as well as providing advice on other public law matters.
The successful applicant will be a seasoned lawyer with experience of providing high quality and accurate legal advice on complex issues in at least 2 areas of work covered by the team. They will also have significant experience of managing a group of lawyers and ensuring consistent and timely high quality legal advice, able to successfully work with a wide range of stakeholders. The Advice team currently consists of 8 Legal Advisers and 3 Assistant Legal Advisers as well as the Team Leader.
The successful applicant will be an experienced public sector lawyer or have significant experience of working with public sector clients.
In the Civil Division we pride ourselves on our collaborative and supportive working environment where you will join 3 other team leaders who together support the work of the Government of Jersey across the full range of civil law advice and litigation. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of departmental wide initiatives and to deputise for the Director.
If you are innovative and dynamic and would thrive in a fast paced and interesting working environment, please email Sylvia Roberts, Director of the Civil Division (s.roberts@lawofficers.je ) to arrange for an informal discussion between 14 June – 4 July.
Recruitment schedule:
Shortlisting of applicants - 6 August.
Interviews - 28 August 2024.
The Law Officers’ Department is officially recognised by Best Companies UK as a ‘very good organisation to work for’. Search for ‘Law Officers’ Department best companies to work for’ to see the independent review of the Department.
Job Purpose
The Senior Legal Adviser is responsible for leading and managing a team of legal advisers and support staff, providing advice and comprehensive legal guidance. The postholder represents the Attorney General, Minister or States Body in Courts, Tribunals and other forums and specialises in high-risk civil or criminal matters.
Statutory Responsibilities
Active engagement, participation, and compliance with any other statutory responsibilities applicable to the role, as amended from time to time.
This role is politically restricted. The jobholder is not permitted to undertake political activity involving standing for election to the States or as a Parish Constable, or publicly supporting someone who is standing for election or playing a public part in any political manner.
Job Specific Outcomes
- Provide legal advice to the Government of Jersey, Government Departments, the Crown, the parish authorities, the States of Jersey Police and Honorary Police, certain States’ bodies, scrutiny panels and other Committees or delegations of the States and, in certain circumstances, States Members.
- Review and advise on draft States of Jersey principal and subordinate legislation with regard to legal functionality and compatibility with EU and other international obligations, human rights requirements and as to any proposed penalty provisions.
- Identify and define the need for new legislation and or changes to existing legislation and prepare or assist in preparing drafting instructions for such proposals in collaboration with policy officers and the Legislative Drafting Office according to the agreed timetable.
- Analyse and interpret United Kingdom legislation, EU legislation and international conventions.
- Represent the Attorney General before Courts, Tribunals, and other forums.
- Supervise, research, and analyse the implications of case law, legislation and regulatory matters and provide reports as appropriate. This will include supporting senior officers with research and reasoned advice.
- Deputise for the Director of the Division as required.
- Assist other Senior Legal Advisers as required.
- Lead and manage a team of lawyers and support staff, providing supervision, advice, and guidance as appropriate.
- Contribute to the business planning and annual review cycle of the LOD.
- Supervise the team to plan and deliver their workload in line with LOD and SoJ priorities to include setting objectives and undertaking performance reviews of other staff as required.
- Ensure adherence to LOD, and SoJ administrative procedures and policies and Lexcel Standards, including time recording, working within delegated authorities, monitoring progress and file reviews. Carry out such other duties as the LOD may reasonably request.
Qualifications
Essential
Qualified advocate/solicitor/ barrister.
Desirable
Jersey-qualified advocate or ecrivain.
Knowledge
Comprehensive professional knowledge and experience, which demonstrates the ability to develop, articulate and defend conclusions and recommendations mainly, although not exclusively, on high-risk cases.
In-depth knowledge of Jersey’s system of government, its legal system, its constitutional position, and status in international matters. Command of current developments in the law and the ability to stay abreast of changes in legal practice, Jersey law and Court procedures.
Technical Work Based Skills
Very wide and extensive competence in more than one specialism of Civil or Criminal Law; being seen as an expert in an area, also requires sufficient understanding of the technical aspects of other specialisms.
Highly proficient use of Microsoft 365, and electronic Case Management software.
General skills / attributes
Able confidently and effectively to take decisions on high-risk cases.
Good time management.
Acts on own initiative on high-risk cases referring to and notifying the Director and/or Law Officers as appropriate. Only seeks advice from external counsel or specialists where appropriate.
Able to develop partnerships and relationships with stakeholders to build strong and collaborative working relationships.
Experience
Significant relevant post qualification experience with a working knowledge/ability to develop other aspects of legal work as required.
Wide experience of handling serious and complex areas of law, with the ability to absorb and interpret information quickly and accurately. Solutions require a good understanding of public legal service best practice.
Experience of working in a high-profile role where there can be significant public and political scrutiny.
Experience of managing a team of one or more lawyers to achieve high professional and technical standards and securing adherence to LOD administrative procedures.
Evidence of providing support, coaching and mentoring to colleagues in their professional development (ie, through PRAs) and approach to case management.
Across the Jersey public service, the scope of our work means our people enjoy a wider range of opportunities – to work with recognised experts across teams, learn new skills and develop their careers. We actively look to recruit people from different backgrounds, with diverse perspectives. This creates a richer, more varied environment, where you’re exposed to new ideas, new ways of thinking and new opportunities, so you can develop an exciting and rewarding career.
Extraordinary, Everyday.
To apply click HERE
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