Crown Counsel (Criminal)

The Government of Montserrat is seeking applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Crown Counsel (Criminal), within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

JOB PURPOSE

To assist the Director of Public Prosecutions with all Criminal Offences on all levels of the Government of Montserrat, statutory corporations, committees, and boards, including the instituting, discontinuing or taking over of all criminal proceedings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To provide legal advice to the Governor, Ministers, Ministries and Departments in relation to a wide range of Government activities:
• Research legal issues;
• Provide oral and written legal advice;
• Review case files and institute criminal proceedings.
  
  
• To provide representation to the Government of Montserrat:
• in Criminal matters in the Magistrate’s Court, High Court and Court of Appeal;
• To assist the Director of Public Prosecutions in matters relating to the proceeds of crime (both confiscation and civil forfeiture).
  
  
• To advise Government agencies and Departments on all legal matters including, but not limited to, Immigration offences, Proceeds of Crime, Dangerous Drugs, Forfeiture and Confiscation of Criminal Proceeds, Customs and Revenue Offences and breaches of the Labour Code.
• Provide written legal submissions to the DPP
• Provide draft orders for the court when required to do so
• Review complaints and draft Indictments for use before the Courts.
• Prepare simple affidavits for use in civil or criminal proceedings.
  
  
•  Represent the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution on various Statutory Bodies and Committees. 
  
  
• To provide legal information on behalf of the Government of Montserrat, pursuant to its obligations to various regional and international agencies and organisations; 
  
  

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS

The successful applicant must:-

• Possess a Bachelor of Law Degree;
• Possess a Legal Education Certificate;
• Be qualified as an Attorney at Law or a Barrister;
• Admission to the Bar as an Attorney at Law or a Barrister;
• Have a working knowledge of and ability to interpret the Laws of Montserrat;
• Have a working knowledge and an ability to interpret legislation, rules, regulations, agreements and other legal documents; 
• Be able to draft indictments, and pleadings;
• Be able to prepare legal submissions;
• Have extensive knowledge of legal principles, practices and proceedings;
• Be able to draft other legal documents;
• Show decisiveness, soundness of judgment and clarity of presentation; 
• Have knowledge of Government procedure and practices;
• Be able to analyze issues, and provide sound recommendations;
• Possess good advocacy skills; 
• Possess effective communication skills; 
• Be computer literate;
• Possess good interpersonal skills;
• Be able to work long hours.

NB:  A Professional Allowance is available in the range of $24,000 - 48,000 dependent on experience.