Job Overview

The Law Officers' Department is seeking to appoint an Assistant Legal Adviser to join the Commercial and Contentious Team within the Civil Division.

Applicants are likely to possess a relevant professional legal qualification and post-qualification experience in one or more areas of the law dealt with by the Civil Division, obtained either in the public sector, commerce and industry or private practice.

The successful applicant will have the ability to assimilate information quickly, carry out legal research and present a point of view clearly, convincingly and persuasively through rational argument to legal advisers and the Law Officers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively with other members of the Civil Division.

This role is likely to initially involve working within the General contentious team (supporting a range of public law matters in the Royal Court, the JEDT and the Jersey Court of Appeal) and providing additional support in international tax matters.

The work will be interesting, challenging and varied, working with different government departments. You will have the support of a friendly, inclusive, and highly professional team under the leadership of the Attorney General.  For an informal discussion, please contact Advocate

Darren Woodside - d.woodside@lawofficers.je.

The Law Officers’ Department is accredited by Best Companies as ‘officially a very good company to work for’:  Best Companies | Law Officers' Department Jersey Company Profile

Job Purpose

An Assistant Legal Adviser provides legal support to the Law Officers and legal advisers in order to meet the objectives of the Law Officers’ Department (LOD).

Job Specific Outcomes

• Carrying out detailed legal research, often on complex legal questions, regarding statutory and customary law and case law, to assist the Law Officers and legal advisers.

• Preparing legal opinions, both written and oral, for Law Officers or legal advisers.

• Preparing for court hearings, drafting legal papers and correspondence, and attending hearings before the Court and Tribunals as appropriate.

• Liaising with, and where appropriate providing advice to, Government of Jersey Departments and other public authorities, including the Honorary Police and Regulatory Bodies.

• Keeping abreast of current legal developments including new legislation and case law from both Jersey and England and Wales to ensure accurate presentation of information to the Law Officers and legal advisers.

• Ensuring adherence to LOD (Lexcel) and Government of Jersey administrative procedures and policies, working within delegated authorities.

• Working in a ‘digital first’ manner, maintaining records electronically in the LOD’s practice management system and delegating tasks to administrative staff.

• Providing training for external departments and stakeholders, as required.

• Carrying out such other duties as the LOD may reasonably request.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Law degree or a law conversion course.

Desirable:

• Professional legal qualification (eg English solicitor or barrister or Jersey advocate or solicitor).

Technical Work Based Skills

Essential:

• Ability to carry out legal research efficiently and to present results with clarity.

• Formulation of legal arguments.

• Highly proficient use of Microsoft 365.

Desirable:

• Experience of law firm Practice Management Systems and legal research resources.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Jersey’s constitutional position and system of government.

• Knowledge of Jersey’s court procedures.

• Maintaining knowledge of new legislation and case law, including CPD requirements where relevant.

General skills / attributes

• Working to deadlines including lodging dates and court document filing dates.

• Prioritising work according to its complexity and deadline.

• Effective and flexible planning such that there is ability to deal with conflicting demands as priorities shift at short notice.

• Excellent written and oral communications skills required in order to explain legal arguments with clarity and precision.

Experience

• Relevant legal experience obtained either in a public law sector or in private practice.

• Experience in the preparation and presentation of legal arguments, with the ability to demonstrate an aptitude for applying legal theory to practice.

• Experience of handling specific areas of law, with the ability to absorb and interpret information quickly and accurately.

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 at grades ALA5/2 and ALA5/3. At these grades 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.