Job Overview

The Criminal Division is seeking to appoint a Legal Adviser Band 2 to review, advise and prosecute criminal and regulatory legal matters. The ideal candidate will be a qualified Jersey Advocate or Jersey Ecrivain, Guernsey Advocate, or a Solicitor/Barrister/Advocate in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, with experience of appearing in the Magistrate’s and Royal Court or an equivalent court. You must also be able to provide detailed written advice to stakeholders including the police and regulatory bodies. In addition, it would be beneficial to have experience of working in, or on behalf of a specialist unit.

This is a busy, established team dealing with a demanding caseload in both the Magistrate’s and Royal Court. The team provides advice to several stakeholders on prosecutions and investigations, covering a wide range of criminal and regulatory offences such as; rape and serious sexual offences, drug importation and supply, violence including homicide, fraud including benefits fraud, and Health and Safety.

The work will be interesting, challenging and varied, working with different government agencies both in Jersey and internationally. You will have the support of a friendly, inclusive, and highly professional team at the Law Officers’ Department, under the leadership of the Attorney General. The role will also include the supervision of legal advisers, assistant legal advisers, paralegals, and support staff by providing advice and guidance as appropriate. Please contact Matthew Maltetroit (m.maletroit@lawofficers.je) to arrange for an informal discussion.

The Law Officers’ Department is accredited by Best Companies as ‘an outstanding company to work for’ Best Companies | Law Officers' Department Jersey Company Profile

Job Purpose

Specialising in medium and low risk matters, the Legal Adviser (Band 2) provides advice and comprehensive legal guidance in order to meet the objectives of the Law Officers’ Department.

The postholder represents the Attorney General, Minister or States Body in Courts, Tribunals and other forums.

Please see full job description here.

Job Specific Outcomes

• Provide legal advice to the States of Jersey Police, Honorary Police, Customs and Immigration and other investigatory authorities in relation to cases under investigation by reviewing the adequacy of the evidence and the public interest tests in accordance with the Code on the decision to prosecute.

• Supervise, research, and analyse the implications of case law, legislation and regulatory matters and provide advice as appropriate.  This will include supporting the Attorney General and Solicitor General “Law Officers” with research and reasoned advice.

• Represent the Attorney General in criminal proceedings before the Magistrate’s Court and if suitably qualified the Royal Court.

• Provide training to the Police and other stakeholders on relevant aspects of criminal law and procedure.

• Supervise Band 1 legal advisers, assistant legal advisers, and support staff, providing advice and guidance as appropriate.

• Support the team to plan and deliver their workload in line with LOD and States of Jersey “SoJ” priorities.

• Ensure adherence to LOD and SoJ administrative procedures and policies including time recording, working within delegated authorities, and monitoring progress.

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

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified advocate/solicitor/ barrister.

Desirable 

• Jersey-qualified advocate or ecrivain.

Knowledge

• Seasoned professional knowledge and experience, which demonstrates the ability to develop, articulate and defend conclusions and recommendations mainly on medium and low 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

• Seasoned technical competence in more than one specialism in Criminal Law such as: rape and serious sexual offences, drug offences, fraud and regulatory offences.

• And a sufficient understanding of the technical aspects of other areas.Advanced advocacy and litigation knowledge.

• Highly proficient use of Microsoft 365, and electronic Case Management software.

General Skills / Attributes

• Advanced advocacy skills with a deep understanding of court proceedings including proceedings before the Court of Appeal.

• Able confidently and effectively to take decisions on medium and low risk cases.

• Good time management. Acts on own initiative on medium and low risk matters, only referring to others in more complex cases.

• Experience of working with less guidance/supervision, expected to work more autonomously, knowing the limits to one’s knowledge and when to seek advice.

Experience

• Significant relevant post qualification experience with a working knowledge/ability to develop other aspects of legal work as required.

• Significant experience of dealing with the preparation and presentation of cases in Court.

• Experience of preparing and presenting advice on cases, with the ability to demonstrate an aptitude for applying legal theory to practice.

• Experience of handling sensitive matters and complex or novel 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 within a team of one or more lawyers to achieve high professional and technical standards.

Criteria Relating To Safeguarding

• As for all LOD employees, a BASIC DBS is required for the role.

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.