Public Defender Position Available, Ministry of Justice & Legal Affairs

The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs in St. Kitts and Nevis is seeking a highly qualified and experienced legal professional to fill the crucial role of Public Defender. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to champion the rights of indigent defendants and contribute significantly to ensuring access to justice within the Federation. The Public Defender will lead the Public Defender’s Department (PDD) of the Access to Justice Authority, providing vital legal representation and advocating for the rights of those who cannot afford private counsel. This role demands a commitment to upholding principles of equality, justice, and the right to a fair trial for all.

The Public Defender’s responsibilities are multifaceted, encompassing both direct legal representation and the strategic leadership of the PDD. The successful candidate will provide expert legal advice to eligible clients, represent them in court proceedings, and make critical decisions regarding plea negotiations and appeals. They will oversee the assignment of cases to both in-house attorneys and a panel of private attorneys, ensuring the effective and efficient management of the department’s caseload. The Public Defender will also play a pivotal role in shaping policy and procedure, collaborating with stakeholders such as the judiciary, bar associations, and civil society organizations to develop and implement strategies to enhance access to justice.

Beyond individual case management, the Public Defender will steer the overall direction of the PDD. This involves formulating strategic operational plans, setting departmental goals, and implementing performance monitoring mechanisms. A key aspect of this leadership role includes establishing and managing a panel of private attorneys willing to provide legal aid services. This entails developing selection criteria, ensuring equitable case assignment, and certifying payments for completed work. The Public Defender will also be responsible for financial oversight, ensuring responsible resource allocation and implementing measures to prevent misuse of funds. Regular reporting on the PDD’s activities, achievements, and challenges will be essential for maintaining transparency and public trust.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong legal background, proven leadership capabilities, and a deep commitment to social justice. Required qualifications include a Bachelor of Laws Degree and a Legal Education Certificate from one of the three Caribbean Council of Legal Education Law Schools, complemented by a minimum of 10 years of experience practicing criminal law within the Commonwealth Caribbean. Exceptional advocacy, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a thorough understanding of the laws of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Eastern Caribbean Civil Procedure Rules. The successful candidate must also possess the ability to analyze complex legal issues, formulate sound recommendations, and establish and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues and the public.

The performance of the Public Defender will be evaluated against a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) designed to ensure the effectiveness of the PDD and promote a results-oriented approach. These KPIs will track metrics related to caseload management, timely provision of legal aid, efficiency in case resolution, and the reach of public awareness initiatives. The Public Defender will report directly to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and will work closely with the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs on policy matters and strategic oversight. This position is integral to the Access to Justice Authority and is subject to Ministry-wide performance monitoring and reporting procedures.

The Ministry offers a competitive compensation package, including a basic salary of EC$98,868 per annum, an allowance in lieu of private practice ranging from EC$21,000 to EC$33,000 per annum, a travel allowance of EC$4,800 per annum (requiring ownership of a vehicle), and a telephone allowance of EC$300 per annum. Employees are also entitled to 27 working days of vacation per annum after the first year of service. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by submitting their application, along with two written references and certified copies of relevant qualifications, to the Human Resource Management Department ([email protected]) with a copy to [email protected]. The application deadline is Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 3:30 pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. This position offers a compelling opportunity for seasoned legal professionals to make a meaningful contribution to the justice system of St. Kitts and Nevis.