Legal Counsel

About the ITA

The International Tax Authority (“ITA”) was established under the International Tax Authority Act, 2018 as a corporate body.

The primary responsibilities of the ITA are: (1) to carry out the functions of the Competent Authority under the Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Act, 2003 (MLA), which were previously carried out by the Financial Secretary; (2) to take a proactive stance in relation to all cross-border tax matters that currently affect or have the potential to affect the Virgin Islands; and (3) to ensure that the Virgin Islands is fully compliant with the international standards of transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes.

The Opportunity

The British Virgin Islands International Tax Authority (ITA) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal advice and representation across the Authority.

Reporting directly to the Director, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the Authority's legal interests, supporting legislative and regulatory compliance, managing litigation matters, and providing trusted legal guidance to management and operational units.

This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional who enjoys working in a dynamic regulatory environment and contributing to matters of national and international significance.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of legislation, support international tax cooperation, advise on complex regulatory matters, and help strengthen the Authority's legal and governance framework.

If you are passionate about law, public service, sound governance and contributing to matters of national and international significance, we would be pleased to hear from you.

• Minimum Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Law or an equivalent legal qualification.
• Bar Professional Training Course Certificate (BPTC) or an equivalent professional qualification.
• Admitted to the British Virgin Islands Bar, eligible for imminent call, or admitted to another recognised common law Bar.
• Five (5) to Seven (7) years' post-qualification experience, including court proceedings, criminal prosecutions, and legal advisory work.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Advisory and Governance
• Provide legal advice and guidance across all functional areas of the Authority on legislative, regulatory and operational matters.
• Monitor legislative developments and advise management on their implications for the Authority.
• Support the interpretation and application of local and international legislation.
• Provide legal guidance on governance, compliance and stakeholder engagement.
• Litigation and Legal Representation
• Prepare and manage litigation, prosecutions and court proceedings on behalf of the Authority.
• Draft legal opinions, pleadings, submissions, correspondence and other legal documentation.
• Liaise with the Police Department, Director of Public Prosecutions and other government agencies.
• Represent the Authority before the Courts and other legal forums as required.
• Contracts and Legislative Drafting
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts, agreements and other legal instruments.
• Review employment contracts and provide employment law guidance.
• Prepare legislative amendments, Cabinet Papers and legal submissions where required.
• Support the development and review of internal policies and legal frameworks.
• Compliance and Risk Management
• Ensure the Authority remains compliant with applicable legislation and international obligations.
• Conduct legal research and recommend legislative improvements where appropriate.
• Advise on matters relating to enforcement, penalties, regulatory compliance and labour law.
• Identify legal risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate
• Sound legal judgement and unquestionable professional integrity.
• Excellent advocacy, drafting and legal research skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound professional judgement.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships across government and with external stakeholders.
• A commitment to transparency, accountability and public service excellence.
• Application

Requirements: We are searching for serious applicants to fill this role.

Qualifying applicants are required to submit his/her: résumé and cover letter indicating the position being applied for; one professional character reference and one personal character reference.

Additional supporting documents include: government issued identification; proof of BVI citizenship; academic certifications/diplomas/licenses; and police certificate from your place of residency.

Note: your supporting documents can be uploaded either with your cover letter and résumé or as soon as they become available.

Applicants must upload all required documentation through the website - do not submit hardcopies unless directed to do so.

Only potential candidates will be contacted.

• Please address cover letter, résumé and required documentation to the attention of:
• Human Resources Manager
• International Tax Authority
• Peace House, Pickering Drive
• Road Town, Tortola VG1110
• VIRGIN ISLANDS (BRITISH)

Important Notice

Qualified candidates who are considered for potential employment with the International Tax Authority may be requested to provide further criminal history record information.

Evidence of a criminal conviction or other relevant information obtained shall not automatically disqualify from employment with the International Tax Authority.

Virgin Islands (British) law requires citizens and residence first preference in the application process.