Job Overview

Jersey’s Attorney General is seeking to appoint a Principal Legal Adviser to the role of Director of the Criminal Division of the Law Officers’ Department in Jersey. This is a unique opportunity to lead the Division that provides the independent prosecution service for the Island, enables the forfeiture and confiscation of the proceeds of crime and assists overseas law enforcement agencies on behalf of the Island’s Attorney General. 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 company to work for’ Best Companies | Law Officers' Department Jersey Company Profile

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

• Advise the States Police and Honorary Police on matters of Law affecting them, particularly in providing professional guidance and preparation on the legal issues affecting the delivery of criminal justice in the States of Jersey, the nature of particular offences, identifying the most productive lines of enquiry and areas for further investigation.

• Advise the Police and other agencies within the criminal justice system on training needs with respect to legal practice and procedures.

• Advise the Attorney General and other appropriate agencies within the criminal justice system on amending, updating or creating new legislation and policies.

• Advise the Attorney General on files submitted under the Police Complaints procedure.

• 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 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.