Job Summary

The Legal Counsel / UCC Corporate Secretary reports directly to the UCC Executive Chairman and President and provides a full range of legal support and advisory services to the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean and its subsidiaries. The role supports the institution in executing its strategic mandate and business operations effectively and efficiently.

The incumbent ensures institutional compliance with all relevant Government laws, regulations, administrative requirements, policies, and procedures, and provides professional legal guidance across operational and governance matters.

Terms of Reference

The duties and responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Initiate and pursue legal proceedings on behalf of the University, including writ preparation, defences, submissions, and pleadings in civil matters.
• Prepare legal briefs and witnesses for pre-trial matters and hearings, and provide management updates on statutory amendments.
• Review and verify procurement and maintenance contracts to ensure compliance with University and Government of Jamaica procurement standards.
• Provide continuous advice on statutory and regulatory compliance.
• Draft contracts, briefs, notices, memoranda, circulars, correspondence, orders, reports, and other legal documents.
• Review draft contracts related to international partner institutions, grant proposals, and international projects.
• Contribute to the formulation, implementation, and amendment of institutional policies.
• Review official documents to ensure legal compliance and completeness.
• Provide legal advice and counsel on official and operational matters.
• Address general legal issues assigned by senior management.
• Deliver high-quality professional legal services to the University.
• Conduct legal research in support of institutional matters.
• Advise senior executives on laws and policies relating to institutional operations.
• Perform other related legal duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree.
• Professional Certificate of Legal Education (CLE).
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a practising attorney in corporate, commercial, business/contract, tort, and conveyancing law.

Key Competencies

• High standards of character, credibility, and integrity.
• Strong knowledge of commercial, business, and contract law principles and practices.
• Working experience in conveyancing law and practice.
• Knowledge of civil and criminal law procedures.
• Sound judgment, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, regulatory, and development processes.
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with and earn the confidence of internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational, administrative, and time-management skills.