Job Description

Are you a strategic legal professional with a strong sense of integrity and sound judgment? We are seeking a Legal Counsel to provide expert legal advice and safeguard the organization’s interests across a broad range of corporate, regulatory, and commercial matters.

The Legal Counsel assumes primary responsibility for providing a full range of legal services to the GHL Trinidad subsidiaries including but not limited to the preparation of legal documents, interpretation, advice and application of primary and secondary legislation, representation of the company at litigation hearings, and preparation of legal opinions, presentations and guidance to internal customers.

To provide corporate secretarial services for the Guardian Group subsidiary boards (as company secretary or assistant company secretary). Deliver key corporate governance products and activities in support of the corporate governance framework. Generally to support the functional head in the management of legal and regulatory risk in Guardian Group.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Legal Advisory, Documentation, and Regulatory Compliance:

• Provides strategic and operational support in managing legal and regulatory risks across the Guardian Group

• Provides precise and timely advice and legal interpretation to Executives and the Board thus assisting in the Decision-Making process. Prepares and reviews legal documents/instruments/opinions/correspondence on all matters relevant to the Group which will primarily include but is not limited to Deeds, Contracts, Bonds, financial services/insurance law and regulations, corporate law and commercial law, real property law.

• Prepares, vets and approves documents for Equity Financing and Share Offers, acquisition of computer software, equipment and services and reviewing documents for tender processes.

• Keeps abreast of and advises on changes to the legal, statutory and regulatory developments that may affect or apply to Group companies.

• Provides precise and timely advice and legal interpretation to Executives and the Board thus assisting in the Decision-Making process. Prepares and reviews legal documents/instruments/opinions/correspondence on all matters relevant to the Group which will primarily include but is not limited to Deeds, Contracts, Bonds, financial services/insurance law and regulations, corporate law and commercial law, real property law.

2. Corporate Governance, Compliance, and Board Secretariat Function:

• Functions as the Corporate Secretary or Assistant Corporate Secretary for the regulated and non-regulated entities in any jurisdiction in the Group.

• Coordinating board and committee meetings. Monitoring business processes, providing input or guidance on weaknesses/ gaps in controls and advises on ways to optimize business processes to remove or minimize legal, governance or compliance risk.

• Prepare and/or update governance policies, By-laws, Guidelines and Charters and to ensure compliance with internal and statutory requirements for all the jurisdictions where the subsidiaries operate.

3. Legal Advisory, Research, and Representation

• Conducts legal research and provides, legal advice and/or legal opinions. Prepares and delivers training and guidance on changes to primary and secondary legislation.

4. Attending court and making representations on behalf of the Group and its subsidiaries:

• Functions as the Corporate Secretary or Assistant Corporate Secretary for the regulated and non-regulated entities in any jurisdiction in the Group.

• Staff Training on relevant matters of law and regulation across the Group, and Supervision of paralegal, clerical staff, administrative assistant including the setting of performance goals, coaching, mentoring and overall development.

• Prepare and/or update governance policies, By-laws, Guidelines and Charters and to ensure compliance with internal and statutory requirements for all the jurisdictions where the subsidiaries operate.

• Prepares, vets and approves documents for Equity Financing and Share Offers, acquisition of computer software, equipment and services and reviewing documents for tender processes Job responsibility.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Laws from a recognized University

• Legal Education Certificate (L.E.C) or equivalent

• Admission to Trinidad and Tobago Bar

• Minimum of Seven (7) years’ experience as an Attorney at Law practicing in Trinidad and Tobago with knowledge of substantive and procedural law and the operations, procedures and practice of the Courts of Law

• Theory and Practice in Law with particular emphasis on Corporate Law, Insurance Law, Corporate Secretarial obligations and practice, Consortium Loan Agreements, Receiverships, preparation of Special Documentation, law of Succession/Estates, Commercial Law (Conveyancing, Securities, Documentation) Procedures and Practice of Litigation in Courts, Industrial Relations – Negotiations, Dispute Resolution, Pension Fund Management and Administration, Interpretation of Legislation, Functioning of Capital Markets, Debt/Equity Financing and Financial Instruments.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:

As a regulated entity with obligations under the Know Your Employee guidelines, a Certificate of Character is required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

The Legal Counsel demonstrates strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, consistently applying legal knowledge to complex issues with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. They exhibit effective communication, both in written and verbal formats, presenting legal advice clearly and persuasively to stakeholders at all levels. With a proactive approach, the Legal Counsel anticipates potential legal challenges and mitigates risks, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. They possess excellent negotiation skills, often finding practical solutions that align with the organization’s objectives. Additionally, they are adaptable, maintaining professionalism under pressure while prioritizing tasks and managing multiple projects efficiently. Their collaborative nature fosters positive working relationships across departments, and they demonstrate integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment in all legal matters The individual must possess strong problem-solving skills and be able to make sound decisions.

Applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.