Are you ready for an adventure? Would you like to walk to work in a unique, vibrant and diverse community in a stunning natural environment? If so, travel to the South Atlantic and join our friendly team of experienced legal professionals and the five different types of penguins in the beautiful Falkland Islands. Holiday on the islands, in nearby South America or join an adventure cruise.

The Role

The Attorney General of the Falkland Islands and of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands seeks an experienced lawyer to join the Government Legal Services team based in the Falkland Islands. You will carry out a wide range of legal work in the legal services team which is likely to include providing legal advice on a wide range of matters which may include public law and human rights, contracts and commercial, communications, customs and immigration, maritime and shipping, aviation, civil liability, employment, child and adult safeguarding, criminal and police, property and planning, environment, agricultural, mineral, and licensing. You will comment on decision making reports and draft policies, conduct some litigation, and have the conduct of some potentially controversial and politically sensitive matters. You will be asked to assist to provide cover for other members of the team when they are on leave.

The Person

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and proactive individual to be part of our busy legal services team. A good understanding of and an interest in public law is essential. Knowledge of and/or experience in other areas of the law would be an advantage. You may be asked to represent Government as an advocate in  proceedings before the Falkland Islands Courts (whether the Government is acting as claimant or defendant). You will also work closely with all departments across Government and represent the Government in committees, other meetings and functions as a lawyer. This role is at the centre of Government and you will help shape future policy and legislation.

Core Requirements

• Educated to Degree standard (or equivalent).
• Admitted as a solicitor or called as a barrister in the UK, another Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland.
• Qualified UK or Commonwealth Solicitor or Barrister with a minimum of five years post qualification broad based experience to include experience of the provision of legal advice to national or local government or another public services
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation and precedent.
• Ability to establish credibility and earn the respect of others (including other professionals, Members of the Legislative Assembly and the general public) through depth of knowledge.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and decision-making skills, and attention to detail.

The Package

• Initial 2-4 Years Fixed Term Contract, with potential for extension by mutual agreement.
• Starting Salary £47,428-£64,149(depending on qualifications and experience)
• Eligibility for a 25% Gratuity, paid upon successful completion of the contract.
• 30 Days’ Annual Leave, plus government and public holidays (totalling 41 days’ leave).
• Relocation Allowance to help with moving costs.
• Flights Package for you and your dependants, including mid-term return flight home.
• Government Housing for rent and a starter pack to help you get settled in.

The Place

Stanley is a community of around 3000 people, where there is a choice of cafes, restaurants and shops. We have a small modern cinema which shows current films, schools, a library and a leisure centre with a 25m pool. There are lots of wide open spaces, wonderful walks, good wildlife and bird spotting opportunities.   

How to Apply

For more information and to apply online, please visit www.jobs.gov.fk

For an informal discussion about the role and moving to the Falkland Islands, please contact Davina Fiore, Head of Legal Services dfiore@sec.gov.fk  Please note the Falklands Islands are three hours behind the UK and office hours are usually 8am to 4.30pm.

Closing date for applications is 23:00 UK time on Sunday 5th January 2025. 

The Working Environment - Law and Regulation Directorate

The Directorate provides a number of services, led by separate service heads who each reports to the Attorney General. These services are crucial to the achievement of the Government’s ambitions.

• Legal Services provides general legal advice and support to the Governments of the Falkland Islands and also of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. We direct and conduct public prosecutions and act for Government in all legal proceedings and transactions. We also support the development and delivery of Government initiatives and projects by providing sound legal advice.
• The Registry maintains registers for property, births, marriages and deaths, local companies and charities. In addition to providing registry services, it provides a vital service to the community by ensuring elections are fair and the will of the people is freely expressed.
• The Regulatory team protects the people of the Falkland Islands by regulating Civil Aviation and Telecommunications.
• The Statute Law Commissioner and Head of Legislation heads the legislative drafting function which supports Government by turning policy into legislation. The Commissioner also manages the online publication of Falkland Islands laws, and reviews, reforms and updates local legislation.

Falkland Islands Government (FIG)

The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory, with full internal self-government.

As the largest employer in the Falkland Islands, we offer many unique and fulfilling job opportunities across a broad spectrum of public services. Our responsibilities include those typically managed by central government (eg, taxation, legislation and policy) as well as those usually managed on a local level such as town planning, health, social services and education. FIG also provides services specific to the needs of the Falkland Islands, such as fisheries research, power generation and the Government Air Service, FIGAS.

For more information about working for Falkland Islands Government, take a look at our recruitment microsite: www.jobs.gov.fk