Job Overview

The Law Officers' Department is seeking to appoint a Legal Adviser Band 2 within the Commercial and Contentious Team in the Civil Division. This role will involve working within the General contentious team (appearing on 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.

Applicants will 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 is likely to be a practising Advocate and will possess a significant level of experience in the Royal Court/tribunals.

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 other 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.

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 ‘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 Bodies in Courts, Tribunals and other forums.

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.

• Provide legal advice to Ministers, the States’ Employment Board and others in relation to proceedings before a Court or Tribunal. This includes overseeing all litigation brought by or against any of the bodies listed above and considering whether any of the cases raise wider questions for the public service or the Island.

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

• Contribute to the business planning and annual review cycle of the Law Officers’ Department (LOD).

• Support the team to plan and deliver their workload in line with LOD and Government of Jersey priorities to include setting objectives and undertaking performance reviews of other staff as required.

• Ensure adherence to LOD, and Government of Jersey 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

• Qualified advocate / solicitor / barrister (preferably locally qualified).

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 of Civil or Criminal Law; and a sufficient understanding of the technical aspects of other areas.

• Advanced 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.

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.