Legal Officer (On Contract), CCJ

The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission invites applications for the following position at the Caribbean Court of Justice:

(Non-national of Trinidad and Tobago receive a monthly allowance of USD$300.00)

JOB SUMMARY
The Legal Officer provides high-level legal, policy, and strategic support to the Registrar & Chief Marshal of the Court, ensuring the effective execution of judicial and administrative functions. The role encompasses conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing legal documents, providing legal and policy advice, responsibility for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, managing contracts preparation, and supporting judicial and court governance initiatives. The role ensures legal compliance, mitigates risks, and safeguards the organization’s interest in all contractual and regulatory matters. The Legal Officer liaises with internal and external stakeholders, including President’s Chambers staff, judges, department heads, regional legal bodies, and international organizations, to facilitate the Court’s objectives. Additionally, the incumbent assists in planning, coordinating and executing projects and activities as assigned by the Registrar and Chief Marshal and ensuring the Court remains aligned with regional and international legal developments. The role demands a high degree of analytical thinking, confidentiality, and legal acumen to uphold the integrity and efficiency of judicial processes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts legal research and analysis on treaties, agreements, legislation, case law, precedents, and other relevant legal sources to support the work of the Registrar & Chief Marshal and the Court.
2. Provides strategic legal, policy, and technical advice to the Registrar & Chief Marshal, management and internal departments on judicial governance, court administration, legal education, contractual and regulatory matters and reform to inform decision-making.
3. Drafts and reviews legal documents, including position papers, briefs, reports, judgments, practice directions, rules of court, speeches, press releases, policies, guidelines, and other regulatory instruments to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
4. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts including vendor agreements, service agreements, NDAs, MoUs, partnership agreements, employment contracts, and consultancy agreements.
5. Interprets contract provisions and provides legal advice on rights, obligations, remedies, and compliance requirements.
6. Interprets Court policies, rules and regulations in force.
7. Advises on and assists with the management of contractual disputes, including issuing notices, assessing breaches, recommending strategy, and preparing documentation for settlement or escalation.
8. Prepares legal opinions on procurement, tender conditions, bid evaluation criteria, and the enforceability of contractual terms.
9. Participates in or advises Tender Evaluation Committees to ensure compliance with procurement laws, policies, and principles of fairness, transparency, and value for money.
10. Drafts and reviews amendments, addenda, extensions, and variations to existing contracts to protect the organisation’s interests.
11. Conducts legal research on commercial, contract, and procurement law to ensure decisions are current, defensible, and aligned with best practice.
12. Develop and maintain standardized contract templates and clauses.
13. Ensure contracts are legally sound and aligned with organizational policies and risk appetite.
14. Supports the Registrar & Chief Marshal in the implementation of court programmes by providing legal and administrative assistance to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
15. Organizes and facilitates regional and international conferences, as directed, to promote judicial collaboration and knowledge exchange.
16. Monitors and assesses regional and international political and legal developments to ensure that advice provided to the Registrar and Chief Marshal reflects relevant stakeholder interests and emerging trends.
17. Acts as a legal and technical resource for division and department managers, unit heads, supervisors, and project management teams involved in court-based initiatives, ensuring compliance with judicial and administrative frameworks.
18. Provides judicial and administrative support to the Registrar and Chief Marshal in executing adjudicative, executive, and strategic responsibilities to enhance operational efficiency.
19. Collaborates with the Senior Administrative Officer in the Registrar’s Chambers to ensure the effective execution of strategic goals and seamless administrative operations.
20. Assist with the management of information flow within the Registry, tracking judicial, strategic, and administrative matters to ensure timely follow-up and resolution.
21. Assists in coordinating and supervising court related projects to align with the Courts’s mission and objectives.
22. Liaises with Judges, the Senior Manager Corporate Administration, and department managers on judicial and administrative matters to facilitate smooth Court operations.
23. Engages with project management teams on JURIST, EDF or other assigned projects, providing legal insights and oversight as required.
24. Participates in Court operations meetings, as directed by the Registrar and Chief Marshal, to contribute to strategic planning and policy development.
25. Serves on committees as required to support institutional governance and policy development.
26. Represents the Registrar and Chief Marshal and the Court at regional and international forums, ensuring effective advocacy and relationship-building.
27. Establishes and maintains strategic relationships with key external stakeholders, including regional Chief Justices, CARICOM bodies, and other judicial entities, to advance the Court’s non-Judicial initiatives.
28. Performs other related duties as assigned to support the Court’s mission and objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a recognized tertiary institution.
• A Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from a recognized regional or international law school.
• Admission to practice law in a Commonwealth or CARICOM jurisdiction.

Knowledge:  

• Extensive knowledge of legal principles, judicial processes, and court administration.
• In-depth knowledge of international law, treaties, agreements, and regional legal frameworks.
• In-depth knowledge of legal research methodologies and techniques to support decision-making.
• In-depth knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and court protocol, facilitating accurate preparation and handling of legal documents and interactions within the judicial environment.
• Sound knowledge of policy development, legal reform, and governance practices within judicial and administrative contexts.
• Sound knowledge of project management principles as they relate to legal and judicial initiatives.
• Knowledge of the CARICOM region and its court structure, providing context for regional legal frameworks and judicial processes.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years relevant legal experience, preferably in judicial administration, contract law, legal research, or policy development.

Skills:

• Ability to conduct thorough legal research and provide sound legal analysis.
• Ability to draft clear, precise, and legally sound documents.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to provide strategic advice and policy recommendations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, upholding strict confidentiality in all matters, ensuring sensitive information is protected and handled appropriately.
• Ability to use computer systems proficiently, possessing intermediate to advanced computer literacy with high proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and internet search engines.
• Ability to pay attention to detail, exhibiting strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all outputs, including legal documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Sound communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and international environments, particularly when coordinating with diplomatic and governmental entities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Court personnel, Public Service employees, and members of the Public. 

Competencies:

• Legal Acumen: Ability to interpret and apply legal principles to complex judicial and administrative matters to ensure compliance and effective governance.
• Analytical Thinking: Capability to assess legal and policy issues critically and develop reasoned solutions to enhance court operations.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures precision and accuracy in legal documents, correspondence, and advisory services to mitigate risks and uphold judicial standards.
• Strategic Planning: Demonstrates foresight in advising on legal and judicial initiatives, aligning recommendations with institutional goals.
• Interpersonal and Diplomacy Skills: Engages effectively with high-level officials, legal professionals, and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and advocacy.
• Confidentiality and Integrity: Maintains the highest ethical standards in handling sensitive legal and judicial matters.

“All applicants must download and complete the Application-Form, then upload the completed form on this page.”

Download Application-Form here

Deadline for applications is no later than 4:00pm on Monday 30th November 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.