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Barry Ishmael

@barryishmael

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Experienced legal professional with expertise in procurement and policy.

Trinidad and Tobago

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that allows me to leverage my legal expertise in policy development and procurement, fostering an environment of compliance and innovation.

I am a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in various sectors, including judiciary, energy, and public administration. Currently, I serve as the Administrative Secretary to the Chief Justice, where I manage the operations of the Chief Justice’s Chambers and provide legal expertise on property disposal. My background in Procurement Law and Supply Chain Management enhances my ability to navigate complex legal frameworks effectively.

Throughout my career, I have held pivotal roles such as Legal Officer II in multiple ministries, where I drafted licenses and provided legal opinions on significant contracts. My contributions to the Trinidad Boxing Control Board as Chairman have been transformative, leading to financial stability and improved governance. I am passionate about policy development and have successfully implemented national strategies that align with legal and regulatory standards.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Administrative Secretary

Current

Chief Justice's Chambers

Dec 2019 - Present (5 years 5 months)

Responsible for the operation and management of the Chief Justice’s Chambers, overseeing legal matters, and serving as the principal contact between the Judiciary and the public. Also involved in property disposal and advisory committees under procurement law.

Legal Management Public Relations Policy Development Contract Management Team Leadership Compliance Stakeholder Engagement Judicial Administration

Chairman

Trinidad Boxing Control Board

Apr 2016 - Jan 2025 (8 years 9 months)

Led the Board, overhauled operations, ensured statutory compliance, and improved financial management to support the development of boxing in Trinidad and Tobago.

Leadership Financial Management Regulatory Compliance Policy Development Stakeholder Engagement Strategic Planning Team Management Public Relations Project Coordination

Legal Officer II

Ministry of Energy And Energy Industries

Jun 2018 - Nov 2018 (5 months)

Drafted licenses for petroleum stations and provided legal opinions on production sharing contracts. Supported senior attorneys and participated in inter-departmental committees to develop energy policy.

Contract Drafting Legal Research Regulatory Compliance Negotiation Stakeholder Engagement

Legal Officer II

Ministry of Social Development and Family Affairs

Jul 2014 - Jan 2017 (2 years 6 months)

Advised the Executive on legal matters, prepared and vetted contracts, and provided legal opinions relevant to the Ministry’s activities.

Compliance Policy Development Legal Research Stakeholder Engagement Negotiation Team Collaboration

Legal Officer I

Ministry of Public Administration

Jul 2012 - Jul 2014 (1 year 11 months)

Focused on commercial contract law, drafting employment and service contracts, and providing legal opinions on operational issues.

Commercial Law Contract Drafting Legal Research Compliance Negotiation Stakeholder Engagement Team Collaboration

Legal Consultant

Ministry of Legal Affairs

May 2010 - Aug 2012 (2 years 3 months)

Formulated policy and created a unit for implementing a national approach to alternative dispute resolution, seeking Cabinet approval for the National Centre for Dispute Resolution.

Dispute Resolution Project Management Stakeholder Engagement Negotiation Compliance Team Leadership Strategic Planning

Private Legal Practitioner

Self Employed

May 2010 - Aug 2012 (2 years 3 months)

Practiced in conveyancing, contracts, leases, and non-contentious probate, advising upper management of client companies.

Contract Law Client Management Probate Law Negotiation Public Relations Compliance Legal Research

Investment Policy Analyst

Ministry of Finance

Apr 2006 - Jan 2009 (2 years 9 months)

Monitored state enterprises for compliance with Cabinet mandates and assisted in governance audits, contributing to policy optimization.

Compliance Monitoring Audit Stakeholder Engagement Project Management Research Data Analysis Strategic Planning Team Collaboration

Foreign Service Officer

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Jan 2001 - Jan 2006 (4 years 11 months)

Served as the Energy Desk Officer, liaising between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela for negotiations on cross-border hydrocarbon agreements.

Negotiation Stakeholder Engagement Compliance Project Management Research Team Collaboration

Special Teacher I

Ministry of Education

Jul 1996 - Jan 2002 (5 years 6 months)

Taught English Language and designed vocational courses, focusing on practical applications for students.

Teaching Curriculum Development Communication Skills Classroom Management Public Speaking Team Collaboration Professional Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Robert Gordon University

Master of Science, Procurement and Supply Chain Management

2021 -

Completed a Master of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, focusing on the principles and practices of procurement and supply chain management.

University of Nottingham

Master of Laws, Public Procurement Law

2017 -

Pursued a Masters of Legal Law (LLM) with a focus on Public Procurement, Law and Policy through distance learning.

University of London

Bachelor of Laws, Law

2005 -

Earned a Bachelor of Laws Degree, covering essential legal subjects including Criminal Law, Contract Law, and Family Law.

University of the West Indies

Doctorate of Philosophy, International Relations

2004 -

Completed a Doctorate of Philosophy in International Relations, specializing in the formulation and implementation of International Competitiveness models for small economies.