Job: FCD COURT OFFICE CASE MANAGER AND SECOND DEPUTY MARSHAL – Court Administration Office

The Court Office Case Manager and Second Deputy Marshal is responsible for co-ordinating and supervising the activities of the Court Administration Office which is responsible for processing legal documents in preparation for Court matters. The incumbent is also responsible for supervising the processing and preparation of varied legal documents and orders, interviewing members of the public and advising them on Litigation procedures; performing duties related to the arrest of ships and authorises payment of court funds, pursuant to court orders.

The Court Office Case Manager and Second Deputy Marshal performs his/her duties with considerable initiative within the established rules, processes and procedures of the Court. Work is reviewed by the Registrar or designated officer for adherence to rules and procedures, accuracy, timeliness and conformity with Court established standards.

• Plans, co-ordinates and supervises the work of staff involved in the processing of legal documents which may include devising work programmes, assignment of responsibilities and monitoring and reviewing the work of staff.
• Evaluates staff performance in keeping with organisational wide policies and procedures.
• Ensures that all staff are properly oriented and trained to perform their specific duties.
• Performs duties as de facto Registrar by attending Court of Appeal hearings to approve Bonds and rulings of Appeal.
• Attends to all matters relates to jurors which include:
  • Preparing the jury list;
  • Issuing summons;
  • Attending hearings for applications of exemption to take notes for finalising the jury list;
  • Attends court hearings to select the Jury panel in accordance with the Jury Act;
  • Ensures payment of subsistence and traveling;
  • Arranges accommodation for jurors; and
  • Arranges for refreshments/lunches.
• Performs duties related to the arrest of ships in admiralty matters by:
  • Boarding the ship and affixing the notice of arrest;
  • Liaising with the immigration authorities and Customs and Excise;
  • Making arrangements for housing the crew;
  • Making arrangements for security of the ship;
  • Placing advertisements in daily newspapers; and
  • Notifying relevant authorities on arrest/release of the ship.
• Acts as Justice of the Peace and ex-officio Commissioner of Affidavits.
• Authorises the payment of court funds pursuant to court orders.
• Issues interpleader summons when interpleader claims are filed.
• Extracts information from Court list and drafts status reports.
• Liaises with external agencies such as the Director of Public Prosecution, Prisons Services and Legal Aid Authority to request information on matters before the Court or legal representation.
• Prepares and issues practising certificates to Attorneys-at-Law.
• Makes arrangements for transportation and security for persons involved in Court proceedings whenever Court is conducted at the crime scene.
• Performs any other related duties.

• Ability to plan, organise and co-ordinate the activities of a sub-division of the Supreme Court/High Court.
• Ability to exercise judgement in the interpretation of Court rules, practices and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Must demonstrate tact, diplomacy, mature judgement and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to set, implement and monitor performance standards, coach and mentor junior staff and effectively manage disciplinary issues.
• Demonstrate keen attention to detail.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Extensive knowledge of the practices and procedures of the case flow management methods used in the Supreme Court/High Court of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Extensive knowledge of the rules and procedures relating to the Trial and Chamber Courts.
• Considerable knowledge of legal terminologies, abbreviations and types of document.
• Considerable knowledge of policies and procedures of the Department of Court Administration.
• Considerable knowledge of Case Flow Management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of court protocol.
• Knowledge of the relevant software applications used in the Supreme/High Courts of Trinidad and Tobago.

• Demonstrated supervisory abilities.
• Must have a high level of energy and drive.
• Ability to participate in various departmental and inter-departmental teams.
• Ability to build trust, credibility and effective working relationships with all levels of staff within the organization, and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to draft various types of Court Orders.

• Training as evidenced by the possession of five (5) GCE/CXC O’Level passes (including English Language) supplemented by the successful completion of the Advanced Paralegal course or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Extensive experience performing in the field of case flow management, including experience at a supervisory level.