Asst. Attorney General

DEFINITION Under the general direction of the Attorney General, this position requires legal professional work which is related to innumerable legal areas. Work in this class is performed in accordance with established rules, policies and procedures; however, an employee is expected to exercise initiative and judgment in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position. An employee is expected to appear before the courts on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands in criminal and civil cases; to render written opinions on legal questions related to the various government departments and agencies; and to prepare legal documents and instruments in which the Government of the Virgin Islands has an interest. All work is subject to review by the Attorney General while in draft form, upon his or her request.

DUTIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)
–  Appears for and represents the executive branch of the Government of the Virgin Islands in all civil and criminal proceedings in which the Government has an interest.
–  Prosecutes all offense against the law of the Virgin Islands in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
–  Represents the Government of the Virgin Islands in all appeals before the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands and federal appeals courts.
–  Performs legal research regarding representation before the courts in behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands.
–  Interviews witnesses, victims and law enforcement officers to ascertain facts of each case and correlates findings to prepare cases before the courts.
–  Provides legal advice to all executive departments, boards, commissions, agencies, instrumentalities and officers of the Government of the Virgin Islands.
–  Drafts pleadings, briefs, motions, orders and other court related documents required for prosecuting cases.
–  Researches and drafts legal opinions related to the government departments and their operations.
–  Drafts regulations, contracts and other legal instruments in which the Government of the Virgin Islands has an interest.
–  Reviews legal instruments prepared by other government attorneys and advises as to legal sufficiency.

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Prepares correspondence related to innumerable legal areas. Attends conferences related to innumerable legal areas. Performs other related work as required.

FACTOR 1 – KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
–  Professional knowledge of the principles and practices of law.
–  Thorough knowledge of the application of legal research including electronic research tools.
–  Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and follow-up with minimum direction.
–  Ability to identify legal issues. Ability to apply applicable law to facts and draw logical conclusions.
–  Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
–  Ability to exercise good judgment, make sound decisions and present ideas and information clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
–  Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems.
–  Ability to prepare, present and conduct hearings, trials, and appeals.
–  Ability to maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
–  Ability to write reports, motions, briefs and other legal documents.

FACTOR 2 – SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Works under the general supervision of the Attorney General.
The employee uses independent sound judgment in carrying out the work, sets priorities, objectives and deadlines to be met.
Work is reviewed through consultation with supervisor.

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FACTOR 3 — GUIDELINES Guidelines include VI code, local and federal laws. Model Rules of Professional conduct for Attorney, departmental policy and procedures, and directives.

FACTOR 4 — COMPLEXITY Employee is responsible for making critical decisions relative to case assignments. Decisions are made on a daily basis that may have critical effects on clients. Complexity may vary depending on case and problems presented.

FACTOR 5 – SCOPE AND EFFECT The purpose of the work is to provide sound technical and professional legal advice and representation to the Government.

FACTOR 6 – PERSONAL CONTACTS Contacts are with clients, local and federal officials, law enforcement agencies other professionals and the general public.

FACTOR 7 – PURPOSE OF CONTACTS To gather information in order to provide legal advice and prepare cases to represent the Government and its instrumentalities, boards, commissions, agencies and departments at various meetings and in court.

FACTOR 8 – PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is mostly sedentary. It may be mentally and emotionally stressful, and requires after hour work.

FACTOR 9 – WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office or courtroom setting but some field work is required. May also require inter-island or mainland travel.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Graduation from an accredited law school, having earned a LL.B or J.D. degree, and admission to practice before the highest court of any state or territory.