Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of Magistrate I, First District Court and Second District Court, Department of Justice, Saint Lucia.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE             :         Magistrate I

REPORTS TO         :         Senior Magistrate

SUPERVISES         :         N/A

CLASSIFICATION :         Grade 17

1. RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS

1. To preside over court proceedings, interpreting and applying the laws of the State and rendering decisions for the resolution of matters before the court, to support the administration of the justice system.

2. Responds to the Permanent Secretary and Presiding Judges and liaises with the Criminal Division, judicial officers and law enforcement institutions on matters relating to work in progress.

2. DUTIES AND TASKS

1. Presides over court proceedings in the First and Second District Courts, conducting research and providing legal opinions, to foster equity and uniformity in the application of laws; to adjudicate criminal, civil, traffic and Family Court matters.

2. Presides as a Coroner by holding inquests as per the requirements of the law.

3. Receives for purposes of bail or remand, charges of indictable offences, making such order in respect thereof as prescribed by Criminal Procedure Rules and practices and reporting to the presiding judge as required, to permit the hearing of such matters.

4. Hears and determines charges and matters punishable on summary conviction or which may be dealt with by summary orders, and all complaints or information for the recovery of fines, penalties or forfeitures; administering procedures of the court and applying the laws of the State to ensure that cases are dealt with justly within the confines of the law.

5. Writes and delivers judgments as required, following Court protocol and procedures to impose sentencing, liability and/or damages as per the requirement of the law and Constitution, to ensure proper conduct and understanding of proceedings.

6. Presides over Case Management Court hearings as prescribed, to ensure file completion for onward transmission to Trial Court, to permit the determination of matters and support effectiveness in the administration of justice.

7. Guides and directs Attorneys-at-Law, juries, court personnel, litigants and the general public on Court protocol in accordance with stated policies and the law, to maintain the integrity of the Court process.

8. Manages court room proceedings by monitoring activities during court sessions to ensure that applicable rules and procedures are adhered to.

9. Instructs juries as pursuant to laws, regulations and procedures to ensure that facts are deduced from the evidence presented.

10. Reviews briefs and pleadings, applying the rule of law to determine facts and issues of the case or matter before the court.

11. Researches, interprets and scrutinizes legislation and utilizes prescribed measures to make recommendations for amendments.

12. Recommends improvements where necessary, to processes and procedures relevant to the administration of the Court to enable continuous improvements in the Court system and day-to-day operations.

13. Maintains and updates legal knowledge and remains abreast with legal developments through research and study.

14. Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.

3. CONDITIONS

1. Congenial accommodation is provided within a general administrative office and courtroom setting.

2. Institutional support provided through access to the Saint Lucia Constitution Order 1978, Revised Laws of Saint Lucia, appropriate Civil Service Regulations, standard operating procedures and other relevant regulations.

3. Opportunities exist for personal development.

4. Required to work beyond the normal working hours.

5. Required to observe the independence of the judiciary and conform with established code of judicial conduct.

6. Required to remain current on relevant areas of the law.

7. Required to operate office equipment by undertaking repetitive hand movements, fine motor coordination and sitting for prolonged periods.

8. Functions in a scheduled travelling post with travel allowance provided in accordance with terms and conditions of employment.

9. Required to own and maintain a motor vehicle for the proper performance of duties.

10. Required to travel regionally and internationally in the conduct of duties.

11. Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.

12. Contractual appointment.

4. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY

1. Advanced knowledge of the structure of the Public Service and the machinery of Government’s administrative policies and procedures.

2. Expert knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply, the Saint Lucia Constitution Order 1978, Revised Laws of Saint Lucia including laws relating to the Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Criminal Code, relevant statutes and case law, appropriate Civil Service Regulations, standard operating procedures and other relevant regulations and policy documents.

3. Advanced knowledge of, and ability to apply legal principles; and institute court procedures and practices.

4. Team player with effective interpersonal skills and a high level of emotional intelligence.

5. Expert listening, oral and written communication skills and ability to prepare clear and concise judgements, reports and documents for technical and non-technical audiences.

6. Advanced analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills and ability to manage time in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.

7. Expert negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

8. Intermediate level computer literacy skills; with the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programmes and Judicial Case Management System.

9. Ability to exercise judgment, tact, impartiality, decisiveness and clarity in the execution of duties.

10. Ability to analyse information and problems to arrive at logical conclusions and implement appropriate solutions.

11. Ability to conduct legal and other research and analysis with the use of electronic research tools, interpret and present statements of fact, laws, regulations and other information.

12. Ability to effectively interact with partners and stakeholders at varying levels. 

5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Master of Laws Degree, a Legal Education Certificate or equivalent qualification recognized in Saint Lucia, Admission to the Bar in a Commonwealth Jurisdiction, plus at least four (4) years’ practical legal and/or court-related experience.

OR

2. Bachelor of Laws Degree, a Legal Education Certificate or equivalent recognized qualification in Saint Lucia, Admission to the Bar in a Commonwealth Jurisdiction, plus at least five (5) years practical legal and/or court-related experience.

6. EVALUATION METHOD

1. Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the Saint Lucia Constitution Order 1978, Revised Laws of Saint Lucia including laws relating to the Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Criminal Code, relevant statutes and case law, appropriate Civil Service Regulations, standard operating procedures and other relevant regulations and policy documents.

2. Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the Laws of Saint Lucia including laws relating to the Civil Code and Code of Civil Procedure, Criminal Code and other relevant Statutes.

3. Demonstrated application of job knowledge and/or technical expertise relevant to the job, and quality of advice provided.

4. Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail and effectiveness of work completed.

5. Demonstrated willingness to accept responsibilities and authority of the post and ability to take effective decisions.

6. Demonstrated ability to analyse information and problems to arrive at logical conclusions and institute judgements.

7. Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

8. Demonstrated listening, oral and written communication skills and ability to prepare clear and concise judgments, reports and documents.

9. Demonstrated ability to maintain flexibility in scheduling work assignments as priorities change and ability to manage time.

10. Demonstrated computer literacy skills; with the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programmes and Judicial Case Management System.

11. Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, judgment, tact, impartiality, decisiveness and clarity in the execution of duties.

12. Demonstrated ability to remain current on issues related to the law.

13. Demonstrated ability to effectively utilise legal research skills and techniques using various resources.

14. Demonstrated ability to observe the independence of the judiciary and conform with established code of judicial conduct.

7. REMUNERATION

Salary and allowances are exempt from Income Tax and are as follows:

1. Tax free salary at the rate of seventy-five thousand, seven hundred and sixty two dollars ($75,762.00 (grade17 step I) per annum.

2. Travel Allowance at the rate of seven thousand, six hundred and twenty dollars ($7,620.00) per annum. (Officer must own and maintain a vehicle in order to receive this allowance)

3. Legal Officer’s Allowance at the rate of eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000.00) per annum.

4. Telephone Allowance at the rate of two hundred and ninety-one dollars ($291.00) per annum.

5. Twenty-three (23) days of vacation leave per annum.

6. Twenty-five percent (25%) gratuity of the total tax free salary will be paid on satisfactory completion of the contract. 

Applications, accompanied by two references and certified copies of documents pertaining to qualifications, should be addressed to:

to reach him no later than Friday, 1^st November 2019.

NB:   Applications may also be submitted via email to jlsc@eccourts.org. Unsuitable candidates will not be acknowledged. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview. Only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be shortlisted for interview