Senate Legal Counsel

POSITION AND SALARY: One Attorney to serve as SENATE LEGAL COUNSEL. $40-45,000 annual salary (negotiable based on experience), additional $1,000 per month housing allowance, travel and relocation expenses reimbursed. Minimum two (2) year contract required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Senate is one half of a bicameral legislature with thirteen Senators. The Legislative Counsel (Senate Legal Counsel) is appointed by a single resolution of the Senate and his/her responsibilities include: to serve as a legal advisor to the Senate; representing the Senate in litigation; advising the committees and members of the Senate; performing legal research and rendering legal opinions on issues as requested by the Senate, its committees and members; drafting bills, resolutions, committee reports, speeches, and correspondence as requested; supervising legal researchers within the Senate Legal Counsel Office; and performing other duties as may be assigned by the presiding officers of the Senate.

 QUALIFICATIONS: Must possess a Juris Doctor or comparable degree from an ABA or State accredited law school or law school from another country that is accredited by the prevailing accrediting agency in that country. Must be admitted to practice law and be a member in good standing of the Palau Bar, a Bar of a U.S. State or other jurisdiction, or of the Bar or comparable organization of the country which he/she is a practicing attorney. All applicants must submit proof of good standing from the respective jurisdiction in which they are admitted to practice. Must possess excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and a minimum of two years experience as a practicing attorney. Experience in drafting legislation is preferred, but not required.

 APPLICATION PROCESS: All interested applicants shall submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and 2-3 references to:

Peter J. Simmons, Senate Legal Counsel, Eleventh Olbiil Era Kelulau, via:

Email at: oekslcounsel1@gmail.com and oeksenatelegalcousel@gmail.com

Fax to: (680)-488-5175 / (680)-767-2633; or

Mail to: P.O. Box 8, Koror, Republic of Palau, 96940

 Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Peter at the email provided above, or call the Office of the Senate Legal Counsel at (680)-488-6107 / (680)-767-2455.

ABOUT PALAU: Set in the Micronesian region of the western Pacific Ocean, Palau is an independent country of approximately 20,000 people. Although the country's land mass is spread out over several hundred islands, he vast majority of people live in Palau's main city, Koror, and on the neighboring island of Babeldaob. Palau's most significant asset is its unspoiled natural environment. In addition to the Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautiful ocean water and pristine beaches, Palau boasts some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in the world. Palau is also a popular destination for those interested in World War II, as one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific theater occurred at Peleliu, in Palau. Relics from the war are still visible to tourists both on the land and under the water. This year marks Palau's 26th year of independence and as a stable, democratic country. Although it is sovereign, Palau has a special relationship with the United States through a Compact of Free Association. This compact guarantees the rights of United States citizens to freely enter and work in Palau without a visa, and obligates the United States to provide for Palau's national security. Palau's close relationship with the United States is also reflected in the nation's use of English as a national language, and the U.S. dollar as its official currency. Presently, tourism is Palau's primary economic industry. In 2019, Palau welcomed a little under 100,000 tourists; given its location, the make-up of Palau's tourists is dominated by Asian countries, particularly Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China. In addition to tourism, commercial fishing is also a major economic activity in Palau.