Public Solicitor

Public Solicitor

St Helena Island, South Atlantic

2 years FTC commencing as soon as possible

£57k pa, taxable in St Helena

A tax free International Supplement will also apply

A sub-tropical island of spectacular and beautiful landscapes in the South Atlantic with a warm and friendly population of 4,500, St Helena is a self-governing overseas territory of the UK, poised for future transformation with scheduled, commercial air access. The island has its own legal system and legislature, applying relevant English law where no local law exists.

There are no lawyers in private practice in St Helena; as such the Public Solicitor Office is the sole source of independent qualified legal advice. As well as providing independent legal advice to the community the role of Public Solicitor is to improve access to justice and contribute to human rights awareness. The range of issues arising is very wide, but criminal and safeguarding matters remain the priority of the office.

Advising on human rights and constitutional issues, you will conduct civil litigation, provide advice to and represent defendants in criminal proceedings, advise on rights of appeal and represent either the appellant or respondent. You should facilitate and encourage mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. As a  trustee of the Legal Assistance Fund, you will be responsible for approving claims and the proper expenditure and administering the legal aid system (with other stakeholders).,You will appoint, train, assist and supervise Lay Advocates as well more junior solicitors within the office.

You may be asked to assist residents of Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. Your contract will provide for the cost of continuing professional development and your annual fees for an SRA Practising Certificate (if registered with this regulatory body).

A qualified solicitor (with Higher Rights of Audience) or barrister with substantial experience in criminal work including advocacy and moderate experience of civil matters, you must hold of a full current practising certificate not subject to any conditions or investigation.

We offer an extensive benefits package with 30 days leave pa, fare paid travel, freight, pension contribution and relocation allowance. An application form can be found at www.sthelenacareers.com where further information can also be found, or you may contact Kedell Worboys on 0203 818 7610 or email: shgukrep@sthelenagov.com. This is where applications must be sent and received by 07 May 2018. Interviews will be held in London.