Bill proposes AG office as separate legal service
The AG’s Office, currently under the civil service, has faced consistent challenges in attracting and retaining legal and professional staff.
The government has taken a step towards reshaping the structure of the Attorney General’s (AG) Office by introducing a bill in parliament to establish it as an independent service, distinct from the broader civil service.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Maafannu South MP Abdullah Rifau on Monday, seeks to address long-standing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified legal professionals due to salary constraints and civil service regulations.
The AG’s Office, currently under the civil service, has faced consistent challenges in attracting and retaining legal and professional staff. One of the primary complaints has been the lack of flexibility in offering competitive salaries and benefits. These limitations have reportedly hindered the office's ability to recruit top talent and fulfil its mandate efficiently.
To address these issues, the proposed Attorney General's Office Bill outlines a new organisational framework that would establish two distinct services within the office:
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Legal Service:
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Comprises professional staff appointed for legal responsibilities within the AG’s Office.
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Includes lawyers and other professionals involved in legal advisory, drafting, and representation tasks.
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Appointment and dismissal of legal service employees would be solely at the discretion of the Attorney General.
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Administrative Service:
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Includes employees responsible for the administrative management of the AG's legal divisions and the general operations of the office.
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Appointment and dismissal of administrative service employees would be carried out by the Attorney General, based on the advice of the office's Secretary General.
Key Highlights of the Bill:
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Separate Status: By creating a standalone service, the AG’s Office aims to operate with greater autonomy, particularly in matters related to staffing and budgetary considerations.
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Enhanced Recruitment: The Legal Service’s separation from civil service regulations would allow for more competitive recruitment processes and salary scales tailored to the expertise required in legal professions.
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Streamlined Administration: The Administrative Service will ensure the smooth functioning of the office, supporting the Legal Service with necessary resources and operational oversight.
If passed, the Attorney General's Office Bill could enhance the efficiency and capacity of the AG’s Office. The proposed autonomy would enable the office to better compete with the private sector in attracting talented legal professionals.
