Legal Counsel (EXEMPT) (Continuous 6/23/2026)

Description
Under the general supervision of the Agency head, this position provides legal guidance to the department's executive and management staff. This position serves in a confidential and policy making capacity. Work is reviewed for thoroughness, accuracy, and adherence to established policies and procedures and conformity with institutional rules and regulations. This position requires a confidential relationship to a policymaker
Duties and Responsibilities
Provides legal advice and direction as it pertains to the development of policies and interpretation of federal and local regulations.
Conducts legal research.
Represents the department in all legal matters.
Determines action to be taken to originate or respond to legal proceedings and as appropriate, consult and review with the agency head and designated managers.
Reviews pending and new legislation affecting the department or agency's interests, assesses the impact on the agency and recommends action as appropriate.
Represents the department in court proceedings as deemed necessary.
Represents the department on all legal issues related to inmate issues.
Acts as department's liaison to the Department of Justice and other agencies as it pertains to legal matters.
Prepares and submits reports to the Agency head detailing the status of all legal activities.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
LLB or JD degree from an accredited law school and three (3) years of litigation experience, preferably representing a government agency or practice of governmental or private law.
Position Factors
Factor 1- Knowledge Required By The Position
Knowledge of the laws and principal practices applicable to the Virgin Islands.
Knowledge of local territorial rules and regulations, federal laws, and regulations.
Knowledge of departmental internal operating practices and procedures.
Knowledge of the basic corrections procedures, local territorial rules, and federal regulations.
Knowledge of the principle techniques and priorities of penology.
Knowledge of a broad range of professional legal concepts, principles, precedents, methods, and practices.
Knowledge of current social and economic conditions under which social programs operate, and the principles of federal, state, and local relationships.
Skill in problem-solving.
Skill in computer operating systems and applications.
Skill in customer relations.
Skill in methods and techniques of research and statistical analysis of findings for report presentation.
Ability to interpret and comprehend Virgin Islands law, administrative procedures, protocol, efficient office maintenance, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and trust with all information gathered.
Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships with all persons contacted during work.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to read, interpret and analyze laws, rules, and regulations.
Ability to make presentations before management, staff, and public groups.
Ability to examine and decide on approaches to legal proceedings, negotiations, lawsuits, and/or claims.
Ability to follow policies, procedures, plans and activities, comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information, and perform established goals.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw logical conclusions.
Ability to be a self-starter and work well independently without administrative support when required.
FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Supervision is received by the Agency head, Chief Legal Counsel, or designee. Incumbent is expected to exhibit initiative and independence while performing work as prescribed by the supervisor. Incumbent operates with little to no supervision, only administrative and policy direction provided. Work is reviewed through meetings, discussions, evaluations, and reports.
FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES
Guidelines consist of the VI Code, local laws, departmental policies, standard operating procedures, collective bargaining agreements, federal laws, and regulations (including OSHA). Some guidelines are inadequate and require considerable interpretation, forcing the employee to plan all the phases of the assignment and develop some new methods.
FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY
Work involves a high degree of professional ethics, conduct and integrity. Demonstrates sound judgement and analytical reasoning to situations and information to understand, interpret, and explain laws and policies pertaining to employment, workplace safety and labor management. Research is conducted to provide the best advice and direction in instances where little policy direction is provided.
Work entails many different processes and methods applied to established administrative or professional fields. Problems are typically the result of unusual circumstances, variations in approach, and incomplete or conflicting data. Must interpret data and refine methods to complete assignments in accordance with departmental, federal, and local policies.
FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT The purpose of work is to provide general counsel and legal guidance for all issues of risk and legal exposure for the department/agency. Work affects a wide range of professional projects or administrative activities that influence internal and/or external operations and impacts many people.
FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are executive management, supervisory/managerial personnel, departmental staff, coworkers, government officials, other government agencies personnel, local and federal court system, and the general public.
FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are made to defend, negotiate, or resolve controversial and/or long-range issues and problems. Internal contacts are to provide the daily objectives of the work unit and to maintain a hospitable and safe environment.
FACTOR 8- PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is primarily sedentary in nature. No unusual physical demands are required.
FACTOR 9- WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office setting; however, the employee may work within the confines of a facility where strong security measures must be adhered to.
Please review the benefit offerings at the department.