Role Summary

The role of International Relations Counsel is to serve as lead counsel and advisor to the Attorney General on all matters related to the external affairs of the Virgin Islands.

Main Responsibilities

1. Provide legal advice on all aspects of Virgin Islands external affairs as they relate to its relationship with the United Kingdom and to all relevant regional and international relationships including:

 a. the Caribbean Community, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, the Association of Caribbean States, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the     Caribbean, or any other Caribbean regional organisation or institution;

b. other Caribbean regional affairs relating specifically to issues that are of interest to or affect the Virgin Islands;

c. the relationship between the Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands in matters of mutual interest;

d. tourism and tourism-related matters;

e. taxation and the regulation of finance and financial services and;

f. United Kingdom and European Union matters directly affecting the interests of the Virgin Islands.

2. Manage the mutual legal assistance and international cooperation portfolio of the Chambers including:

a. ensuring legal and timely engagement in mutual legal assistance, sanctions, anti-money laundering, terrorist financing and other areas of international cooperation;

b. coordinating mutual legal assistance cooperation between international agencies;

c. building relationships with other international enforcement agencies in relations to MLAT and litigation matters and;

d. maintaining the mutual legal assistance database to ensure that it is kept up to date and contains the latest information on all cases of assistance.

3. Serve as lead counsel or coordinate representation in any litigation or other proceeding arising from the discharge of the Virgin Islands of its obligations under any treaty, convention, international agreement, memorandum of understanding or other international arrangement.

4. Advise and where appropriate arrange for, coordinate and review of all foreign legal advice rendered to the external offices of the Government of the Virgin Islands in London, Hong Kong or elsewhere.

5. Prepare cases, letters, opinions and legal documents, and manage the preparation, filing and service of documents.

6. Prepare for adjudication of matters and negotiate amicable settlement and contracts.

7. Manage, supervise and mentor junior counsel and administrative staff within the Chambers, specifically the International Unit.

8. Perform any other related duties as required by Supervisor or any other senior officer in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department.

Minimum Qualifications

 Bachelor of Laws Degree or equivalent

 Bar Professional Training Course Certificate (BPTC)

 Admitted to the BVI Bar or imminent Call or other common law Bar qualifications

 Ten (10) years post qualification experience

 Expert knowledge of Government structure, policies and procedures

 Expert knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules of the BVI jurisdiction

 Expert knowledge of and experience in Court proceedings

 Expert knowledge of applicable statutes and statutory interpretation

 Ability to master and interpret legislation

 Excellent legal research skills

 Excellent analytical, negotiating, interpersonal and organisational skills

 Sound knowledge of the use of standard office equipment

 Excellent oral and written communication skills

 Ability to work under pressure

 Excellent leadership and management skills