Job Overview

Jersey’s Attorney General is seeking to appoint a Principal Legal Adviser to the role of Director of the Civil Division of the Law Officers’ Department in Jersey. This is a unique opportunity to lead the Division that provides legal advice to the Government, the States Assembly and the Crown, protects the interests of the Crown and Government in civil proceedings and helps safeguard children and adults at risk. 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. To arrange an informal discussion please email Katie Le Marquand k.lemarquand@lawofficers.je or apply at the link below.

The Law Officers’ Department is accredited by Best Companies as ‘an outstanding organisation to work for’ Best Companies | Law Officers' Department

Job Purpose

The Principal Legal Adviser is responsible for leading and managing a team of legal advisers and support staff, setting the strategic direction of the Department and providing advice and comprehensive legal guidance regarding high risk or high profile matters and cases in their division. The postholder represents the Law Officers with senior officials in Jersey and in other jurisdictions and represents the Attorney General, Minister or States Body in Courts, Tribunals and other forums.  

Job Specific Outcomes 1 of 2

• Provide and oversee the provision of 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.

• Represent the Attorney General, Ministers, the States Employment Board and other public bodies in civil matters before courts, tribunals and other forums.

• Oversee all litigation brought by or against Ministers, the States Employment Board and other public bodies and consider whether any of the cases raise wider questions for the public service or the Island.

• Identify and define the need for new legislation and or changes to existing legislation and oversee the development of new legislation in collaboration with policy officers and the Legislative Drafting Office.

• Analyse and interpret United Kingdom legislation, EU legislation and international conventions.

Job Specific Outcomes 2 of 2

• As a member of the Senior Management Team, set the strategy and business plan of the LOD, monitor its performance and take corrective action to bring performance into line with the plan and its priorities.

• Account to the Law Officers for the efficiency and effectiveness of their Division’s performance.

• Identify sensitive and/or high profile and high risk matters to the Law Officers.

• Advise and support the Law Officers with research and reasoned advice as required.

• Deputise for the Attorney General or Solicitor General as required.

• Manage and provide advice to their Division staff so that the Division works in the most efficient way possible and cases/matters are handled in the most appropriate and effective manner.

• Provide motivational leadership and direction to their Division.

• Manage the systems and processes for legal advice and litigation as required.

• Manage the preparation of legal arguments and speeches on behalf of the Law Officers.

• Ensure that the Division is managed in line with LOD Lexcel Standards.

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

Qualifications

Essential:

• Qualified advocate/solicitor/ barrister.

Desirable:

• Jersey-qualified advocate or ecrivain.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Authoritative legal professional knowledge, substantially acquired through working at a senior level in a legal environment.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Jersey’s system of government, its legal system, its constitutional position and status in international matters.  Mastery of current developments in the legal practice, Jersey laws and Jersey Court procedures, and ability to articulate how these developments will affect the LOD and how to respond to them effectively.

Desirable:

• Authoritative public sector legal professional knowledge, substantially acquired through working at a senior level in a public sector environment.

Technical Work Based Skills

Essential:

• Broad competence in specialisms of civil or criminal law; recognised as an expert in the area. 

• Relevant management training.

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

• Able to take decisions confidently and effectively in the most high risk or high profile cases.

Desirable:

• Recognised management qualification. 

General skills / attributes

• Substantial experience of dealing with complex cases and advising senior officers.

• Advanced communication skills with a thorough understanding of court proceedings.

• Effective manager of a team of lawyers and support staff, assuring achievement of LOD strategic vision. 

• Demonstrates a high level of support, coaching and mentoring to aid colleagues’ professional development.

Experience

• Experience of working in a high profile environment where there can be significant public and political scrutiny.  Significant management experience, including effective resource management.

• Substantial experience of handling highly complex or unusual areas of law, including in cases which might affect Jersey’s international standing.  Solutions require a good understanding of public legal service best practice.

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 Profile

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