Job Description: Attorney-at-Law

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Company: HBS LAW

Role and responsibilities:

1. Job Responsibilities

Upon instruction from Management; 

• Performing legal research in order to decide on a modus operandi in relation to a (potential) project and providing support activities to assist other Associates/Senior Associates / Seniors.
• Communicating with clients to ascertain the details and merits of each case.
• Preparing legal documents, legal advice and any other legal instruments, including correspondence and presentations,
• Representing the Firm and clients at meetings.
• Translating legal or related documents.
• Participating actively in the Firm’s business development efforts: supporting Seniors to produce marketing material including proposals, legal updates, articles and presentations.
• Participating in the team’s professional development, supporting Seniors and other Senior Associates to prepare presentations on specific matters to develop professional skills for the Firm.
• Instructing Associates, on routine activities to support the Firm.
• Undertaking all other activities as assigned by Seniors.

2. Administrative:

• Punctuality: present during working hours.
• Timesheets: completing timesheets every day and send to admin and HR team on Friday.
• Comply with all the Firm’s internal policies and regulations: including requesting leave ahead of taking leave and complying with the Firm’s dress code, among others.
• Performance management: actively participate in the Firm’s continuous performance management system.
• Office: follows the Firm’s confidentiality and security practices. Maintain building and equipment in good condition.

3. Management:

• Supervising Associates are often an added responsibility of the job, once the Chairman and Managing Partner has demonstrated enough development and professionalism in the performance of their responsibilities.
• The Attorney-at-law will provide clear instructions to Associates on how to fill in forms and documentation required and will instruct when to deliver documents to clients or to governmental entities and how to file documents.

Performance indicators:

• Drafting: the ability to draft letters and documents with a logical structure, accuracy and correct grammar. Proofreads all work-product before circulation; minimizes technical and spelling errors.
• Knowledge of the law and research skills: each Attorney-at-law is expected to know the requirements of major laws and regulations applicable to the areas of his or her practice. You shall be able to conduct effective research and be able to identify what is relevant and concisely communicate analysis, relevance and conclusions.  Shall seek to constantly develop legal knowledge and research skills as well as keep other team members informed about legislative developments.
• Translation work: accurately completes translation work and supports other team members in translation needs.
• Meeting deadlines: able to develop professional organization and time management skills to meet workload and deadline expectations; constantly maintains an up-to-date list of ongoing tasks;
• Accountability: takes responsibility for own work, does not offload their duties. The employee does not require constant reminders of what he/she is expected to complete and gets things done. Confronts and addresses mistakes, and does not ignore them.
• Initiative and aspiration to grow and develop: shall be proactive. Shall identify issues and opportunities, take positive action without being asked and show readiness to take on more responsibilities and advance their career.
• Personal commitment and professionalism: devote their time and attention to the performance of their duties. Relentlessly responsive to clients’ needs.  Follows the Firm’s dress code. Conducts themselves in a professional manner when interacting with colleagues and clients both during and outside of working hours

Litigation: Criminal Responsibilities:

• Representing/defend clients in state or federal court during trials, pretrial proceedings, and other legal proceedings.
• Negotiating with prosecutors to obtain favorable pleased bargains or to persuade them to drop charges altogether.
• Drafting legal documents such as petitions, motions, writs, or briefs
• Drafting contracts or other legal documents, such as prenuptial agreements or incorporation papers
• Representing clients in court proceedings such as trials, hearings, and depositions
• Delivering opening statements to introduce evidence and set the tone for the case
• Researching precedents, case law, statutes, and other legal materials to help build a case
• Investigating facts about cases, interviewing witnesses, and collecting other evidence as needed to build a case for court.
• Communicating with clients about their cases and providing advice about legal options

Civil Responsibilities:

• Drafting legal pleadings such as complaints, motions, or briefs to be reviewed by the attorney or judge before being filed with the court.
• Representing clients in court by answering questions from judges or opposing counsel and arguing in favor of their clients’ positions
• Conducting research on relevant laws and precedents to prepare cases for trial.
• Providing legal advice and counsel to clients regarding family law issues such as divorce, child custody, support payments, adoption, and domestic violence
• Preparing legal documents such as summonses, complaints, motions, briefs, and writs
• Interviewing clients to gather information about their case, including details about the conflict or other pertinent facts related to the case.
• Preparing negotiation strategies with clients to resolve legal disputes out of court through settlements or other methods such as mediation or arbitration.
• Assisting clients with drafting wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents
• Negotiating with opposing counsel or parties to reach settlements that satisfy client needs while adhering to legal requirements.
• Understand the client’s objectives and develop a legal strategy to achieve those objectives.
• Investigate the facts of the case and identify the issues involved.
• Research the law and prepare for court hearings.
• Draft documents such as pleadings, motions, and discovery requests
• Appear in court on behalf of the client and present the client’s case.
• Negotiate settlements on behalf of the client.
• Keep the client informed of developments in the case.
• Handle all aspects of the case from start to finish.
• Be available to answer the client’s questions.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Bill the client for services rendered.

Personal specifications:

• University degree/Master in Law and​
• License from the Bar Association of Kingdom of Cambodia”
• Strong English skills both written and spoken.
• Honesty and integrity
• Being able to work on deadlines and fast learning.
• 3-5 years of experience in family law and business law
• Experience with mediation or collaborative law
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• 3-5 years of experience as an attorney in a law firm or corporate legal department