Join Our Team as the Legal Counsel at VISMA!
Job Title: Legal Counsel
Department: Virgin Islands Shipping & Maritime Authority (VISMA)
Reports To: Managing Director
Role Summary
The Legal Counsel serves as the in-house legal advisor for VISMA, providing expert guidance on legal matters related to maritime operations, compliance, and legislative development. This role involves ensuring that the Authority operates in accordance with applicable laws, leading the compliance unit, and managing legal documentation and court proceedings. The Legal Counsel also plays a key role in drafting maritime legislation, advising on enforcement actions, and contributing to business development efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Legal Advisory
- Serve as the in-house counsel, offering legal advice to the Managing Director and the Board of Directors.
- Provide written and oral legal guidance on a wide range of matters, including contracts, agreements, and maritime legislation.
- Attend meetings to offer immediate legal counsel and support decision-making processes.
- Compliance Leadership
- Oversee the compliance unit, focusing on Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Anti-Terrorism Financing (ATF), ISO standards, and IMO III Code compliance.
- Train VISMA staff on AML and other relevant legal issues as required.
- Document Management
- Vet and draft legal documents in plain language, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
- Manage maritime legislation, ensuring laws are up-to-date and compliant with international standards.
- Draft new maritime legislation as needed.
- Litigation & Enforcement
- Represent VISMA in court and manage legal cases, particularly those involving defaulting contributors.
- Advise on enforcement actions, prepare enforcement packages, and ensure appropriate legal follow-through.
- Reporting & Collaboration
- Prepare concise legal reports for the Board and maintain effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders, including government ministries and other maritime organizations.
- Collaborate with attorneys, clients, and external partners to address legal challenges and ensure compliance with maritime law.
- Business Development Support
- Contribute to VISMA’s growth by sharing expertise, developing legal precedents, and attending marketing trips as required.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB)
- Comprehensive knowledge of common law, civil litigation, and maritime law.
- Minimum of six (6) years of experience working with a maritime administration or in a legal firm advising on maritime administration.
- Skills & Expertise
- Proficiency in drafting legal documents and interpreting legislation.
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
- Thorough understanding of court procedures and maritime conventions (IMO, III Code).
- Basic negotiation skills and ability to manage contentious legal matters.
Core Competencies
- Analytical Skills
- Ability to conduct thorough legal research and provide sound legal advice on complex matters.
- Leadership & Compliance
- Strong leadership capabilities to manage the compliance unit, ensuring adherence to AML, ATF, ISO, and maritime standards.
- Communication & Negotiation
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal matters clearly.
- Attention to Detail
- Strong focus on accuracy in legal documents and legislative drafting.
Working Conditions
- Environment: Standard office environment with occasional court appearances.
- Travel: May involve travel for court cases or marketing trips as required by VISMA.
Reporting Structure
- Supervision Received: Reports directly to the Managing Director. Receives occasional supervision based on VISMA policies and procedures.
- Liaises With:
- Internally: Board of Directors, Managing Director, VISMA staff.
- Externally: Attorneys, clients, government ministries, maritime organizations.
Authority
Represent VISMA in legal proceedings.
Recommend legal changes to improve operational efficiency and compliance with maritime laws.