JUDICIARY OF THE U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
CHIEF CONFLICT COUNSEL
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING
Location: Territorial Position
Number of Vacancies: 1
Promotion Potential: Yes
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Requirements: A law degree from an ABA accredited law school and active membership within the Virgin Islands Bar. A minimum of ten years of increasingly responsible legal experience. Significant trial, appellate, and governmental experience is required. At least five years of experience in office management to include program planning, administration, budgeting and human resource experience. Reputation for integrity and no history of disciplinary offenses as an attorney or in any other capacity. Virgin Islands Bar membership in good standing.
Required Documents: Cover letter, Employment Application, Resume, Certificate of Good Standing and other relevant documents.
Opened: November 6, 2023
Closes: OPEN UNTIL FILLED; CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT; FIRST CONSIDERATION BY NOVEMBER 24, 2023
Link to Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dopusvi/jobs/4268965/chief-conflict-counsel?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Nature of Work
Chief Conflict Counsel is an experienced attorney who serves as the full-time director of the Office of Conflict Counsel and is responsible for the supervision and operation of the Office of Conflict Counsel. This is a highly responsible legal and management position. Work is performed with significant independent judgment and initiative, subject to oversight by the Standing Committee on Indigent Appointments (“Standing Committee”). The nature of work may be modified by the Standing Committee.
Essential Functions (This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.)
• Manages, directs and supervises the work of Conflict Counsel relating to the handling of cases assigned to the office through the indigent appointment system.
• Direct and supervise the work of Conflict Counsel relating to the handling of cases, including appeals, assigned to the office through the indigent appointment system.
• Maintains an appropriate caseload ensuring high-quality work.
• Keep clients of Conflict Counsel informed as to the development(s) of their case, and the progress of their defense, and to respond to any reasonable request(s) for information made by clients.
• Interview witness(es) and prepare them when applicable for trial.
• Represent the client in a zealous and professional manner within the bounds of the law.
• Trains, supervises, evaluates and disciplines Office of Conflict Counsel staff.
• Oversees work performed by contractors, consultants and experts retained by the Office of Conflict Counsel.
• Maintains records and compiles statistical data regarding the investigation and prosecution of indigent defense cases and conflict cases.
• Prepares annual reports for presentation to the Supreme Court, Superior Court and the public.
• Prepare budgets, reports, and proposals as necessary or appropriate.
• Liaises with the Court, various boards, commissions, organizations, associations and agencies with regard to indigent defense and outreach.
• Develops, recommends, and implements policies, procedures, strategic plans, short-term and long-term goals, and other initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the indigent defense system.
• Meets periodically with the Chief Justice and Presiding Judge regarding matters unrelated to the merits of pending cases.
• Educates the public about indigent defense, the existence and operation of the Office of Conflict Counsel.
• Manages and provides Web content for the Office of Conflict Counsel.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
• Extensive knowledge of the rules of procedure, related case law, rules of evidence and rules governing the appointment of counsel.
• Extensive knowledge of managerial and supervisory principles and practices including budget preparation and administration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including public speaking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and conflict management skills.
• Proficient in the use of office equipment, including standard computers and computer software.
• Ability to compile data for reporting purposes and the preparation of complex technical reports.
• Ability to maintain high standards of personal and professional integrity.
• Ability to investigate, analyze, draw valid conclusions and formulate recommendations based on the data.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply complex oriented laws, regulations, rules and policies.
• Possess innovative problem solving and technology skills, as well as a solution-oriented commitment to continuous quality improvement and implementing enhanced technology efficiencies.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic planning and implementation.
• Knowledge of management, public administration and court administration principles and procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of staff conducive to high morale and productivity.
PHYSICAL/SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, smart devices, photocopiers, filing cabinets and other presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to stand; sit; use hands and fingers to perform repetitive motions, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: This employee operates in a professional office environment. The noise level in the office is usually moderate. The employee may handle emergency or crisis situations; may experience many interruptions; may handle multiple calls and inquiries simultaneously; and may occasionally handle absentee replacement on short notice.
To apply, submit all relevant documents in one PDF file to:
CHIEF CONFLICT COUNSEL – Territorial Vacancy
Attention: Regina Petersen, Administrator of Courts
Judicial Branch Administrative Office
Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
P.O. Box 590
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00804
Tel: (340) 774-2237
Fax: (340) 693-4109
E-mail: jobs@vicourts.org
The position will remain open until filled. Submissions that do not include the requested documents will not be considered. The Judiciary will only contact applicants selected for interviews. Any applicant who needs reasonable accommodation shall advise the Court’s ADA Coordinators at ada@vicourts.org.
