ANIERA R. BHAGWANSINGH
Attorney-at-Law
Gulf View
Summary
Dynamic Attorney-at-Law admitted in Trinidad and Tobago, with five years of post-call experience in public service and private practice. Currently serving as Legal Counsel at the Police Complaints Authority, responsibilities include preparing comprehensive legal opinions, reviewing complex investigations, and supporting litigation under the PCA Act. Recognized for delivering strategic legal counsel and adeptly navigating intricate legal frameworks to facilitate impactful decision-making. Committed to fostering collaborative team environments and adapting to evolving legal challenges while maintaining a results-driven focus.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
LEGAL COUNSEL II
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS AUTHORITY
03.2025 - Current
- Providing legal advice to the Authority on matters arising under the PCA Act, Police Service Act, Domestic Violence Act, and related legislation.
- Reviewing and analyzing investigations into criminal offences involving police officers, police corruption, and serious misconduct, determining evidential sufficiency and admissibility.
- Drafting legal instruments including detailed legal opinions to guide PCA operations and inter-agency collaboration.
- Liaising with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Police Service Commission, the Commissioner of Police, and other stakeholders to advance investigations and policy matters.
- Providing legal guidance to investigative teams, building rules of engagement and ensuring compliance with statutory frameworks, evidential standards, and best practices.
- Recommending legislative and policy reforms to strengthen PCA’s mandate, and contribute to the drafting of proposed amendments to governing legislation.
- Supporting capacity-building within the Authority by facilitating training, mentoring junior legal staff, and sharing best practices.
LEGAL COUNSEL I
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS AUTHORITY
08.2023 - 02.2025
- Liaising with complainants, assessing reports and ensuring legal issues effectively dealt with according to the PCA Act.
- Conducting thorough legal research and prepare opinions to support ongoing investigations and case reviews.
- Drafting, review, and finalizing legal documentation, including memoranda, reports, and case recommendations for the Authority.
- Collaborating with investigative teams to ensure legal accuracy and efficiency in case preparation and resolution.
- Reviewed and processed a high volume of reports submitted to the PCA, ensuring all concerns were addressed and legally sound.
- Managed large volumes of investigative files and handled requests for further work, maintaining high standards of quality.
- Assessed PCA investigative files as part of the internal mentorship program, earning commendations from the Authority for the quality of submissions.
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
LYNDA GOPEESINGH ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
11.2022 - 08.2023
- Consulting with clients, taking instructions and ensuring legal issues effectively dealt with.
- Researching and drafting documents pertaining to the legal issues inter alia; Proposals, Pleadings, Correspondence.
- Attending Court hearings with/on behalf of Attorney-at-law.
- Drafting and filing of Civil Claims, Family law matters inclusive of Divorce applications, Affidavits, Probate Applications and relevant subsequent follow up with court staff and registries.
- Lodging/Filing court documents at relevant Registries/Court.
- Attendance and Transcribing of Court hearings.
- Communications with clients via telephone and/or email for scheduling of appointments, matter updates and any related care and conduct of matters.
- Preparing clients and documents for arbitration and/or mediation sessions.
- Managed a diverse caseload, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
IMRAN KHAN & COMPANY
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Researching and drafting inter alia; Proposals, Pleadings, Correspondence for Senior Attorney.
- Preparing briefs on legal matters as directed.
- Investigating the facts and law of cases and researched relevant sources to prepare cases.
- Reviewing/proofread legal/court documents.
- Assisting in interviewing of parties involved in court proceedings to gather information for case preparation or completion of legal documents.
- Assisting in the preparation of legal documents such as contracts, opinions and agreements; drafts correspondence on matters.
- Took notes at court, legal proceedings and meetings and submitting documents as required.
- Assisting in Administrative duties as needed.
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW (PRIVATE PRACTICE)
BELLATOR LAW
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Advised and represented clients as Attorney-at-Law.
- Researching details and evidence involved in cases.
- Interpreted case law and decisions in guiding clients with relevant issues.
- Developed case strategies, such as trying to resolve cases early and cost effectively for clients.
- Prepared pleadings and further documents such as contracts, deeds and wills in accurate and timely manner.
- Conducted interviews with clients.
- Participated in negotiations/communications with Opposing counsel.
- Performed other related duties administrative or related.
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY AT LAW
LEO ANIMI CHAMBERS/w JAGAI AND ASSOCIATES
10.2020 - 03.2021
- Acting as Instructing Attorney-at-Law.
- Responsible for researching questions of law and drafting legal opinions.
- Synthesized law and assisted in formulating arguments to maximize client results.
- Met with clients, witnesses and other relevant parties taking statements in preparation of legal proceedings.
- Provided legal advice, support, and guidance to clients on areas of law such as Personal Injury, Trespass, Land disputes, Debt Collection.
- Prepared legal documents such as correspondence, claims in High Court/Petty Civil Court, and Agreements.
- Attended court and meetings with Senior Attorneys, and took notes.
- Performed other related work as assigned.
INSERVICE LEGAL TRAINEE
JAGAI & ASSOCIATES
10.2019 - 10.2020
- Conducted research and drafts or prepared briefs on legal matters as directed.
- Investigated the facts and law of cases and researched relevant sources to prepare cases.
- Interviewed parties involved in court proceedings to gather information for case preparation or completion of legal documents.
- Prepared legal documents such as correspondence, Claims in Petty Civil Court, and Agreements.
- Took notes at court and meetings with Seniors.
PARALEGAL
REKHA RAMJIT AND ASSOCIATES
11.2017 - 03.2018
- Conducted research and drafts or prepared briefs on legal matters as directed.
- Investigated the facts and law of cases and researched relevant sources to prepare cases.
- Interviewed parties involved in court proceedings to gather information for case preparation or completion of legal documents.
- Conducted Will interviews with prospective clients.
LEGAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT / PARALEGAL
CIVIS LAW CHAMBERS
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Researched and drafted legal opinions for Senior Attorney.
- Prepared briefs on legal matters as directed.
- Investigated the facts and law of cases and researched relevant sources to prepare cases.
- Reviewed/proofread legal/court documents.
- Established and maintained case files whereby they were made easily available and accessible to attorneys.
- Assisted in interviewing parties involved in court proceedings to gather information for case preparation or completion of legal documents.
- Assisted in the preparation of legal documents such as contracts, opinions and agreements; drafts correspondence on matters.
- Took notes at court, legal proceedings and meetings and submitted documents as required.
LEGAL ASSISTANT
GIRWAR AND DEONARINE ATTORNEYS AT LAW
06.2013 - 03.2016
- Assisted in the execution of legal documents (claims, submissions).
- Proofread, edited correspondence, reports and other related materials for accuracy and compliance with established procedures and standards within the firm.
- Composed and formatted a variety of legal correspondence and documents including general letters, meeting agendas, presentations, reports, spreadsheets and other office related letters using Microsoft office applications.
- Compiled, verified and categorized data.
- Organized, and maintained electronic filing databases and managed records within the firm.
- Indexing, filing, locating and researching correspondence and other related documents.
- Appointment management, client communications and other administrative duties.
- Overseeing clerical tasks necessary for efficient client service by the representing attorney.
Education
Legal Practicing Course - Commendation
The University of Westminster
London01.2019
LL. B [Bachelor of Laws] - Hons
The University of London
01.2017
BSc. - Sociology; Minor: Criminology
The University of the West Indies
01.2012
Conflict Resolution/Mediation and Negotiation - Levels 1 & 2
Conflict Resolution and Mediation Center Trinidad and Tobago
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Terrorist Financing Diploma - undefined
The School of Business and Continuing Studies
CXC/CAPE - undefined
Iere High School
01.2007
Skills
- Legal research proficiency (Lexis Nexis, Westlaw, CariLaw etc)
- Knowledge of Substantive Law/Legislation and Legal Procedure
- Litigation Support & Case Preparation
- Inter-agency Collaboration
- Written & Oral Advocacy
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning
- Proficient in Microsoft Word/Excel/Adobe
- Conflict Resolution/Mediation and Negotiation
Interests
Rotary International Member (Former)
Volunteer at Animal Shelters (Such as Animals Alive/TTSPCA/Animal Defense Society)
Volunteer for Non-Profit Organizations for the Homeless/Needy (Such as SOSTT/SEWATT)
Culinary Art/Travelling/Hiking
References
- Richard Arjoon Jagai, Attorney-at-Law, Leo Animi Chambers, 681-7424
- Deedra Maharaj, Senior Legal, The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, 360-8711
Timeline
LEGAL COUNSEL II
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS AUTHORITY
03.2025 - Current
LEGAL COUNSEL I
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS AUTHORITY
08.2023 - 02.2025
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
LYNDA GOPEESINGH ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
11.2022 - 08.2023
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
IMRAN KHAN & COMPANY
11.2021 - 11.2022
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW (PRIVATE PRACTICE)
BELLATOR LAW
03.2021 - 11.2021
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY AT LAW
LEO ANIMI CHAMBERS/w JAGAI AND ASSOCIATES
10.2020 - 03.2021
INSERVICE LEGAL TRAINEE
JAGAI & ASSOCIATES
10.2019 - 10.2020
PARALEGAL
REKHA RAMJIT AND ASSOCIATES
11.2017 - 03.2018
LEGAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT / PARALEGAL
CIVIS LAW CHAMBERS
09.2016 - 05.2017
LEGAL ASSISTANT
GIRWAR AND DEONARINE ATTORNEYS AT LAW
06.2013 - 03.2016
LL. B [Bachelor of Laws] - Hons
The University of London
BSc. - Sociology; Minor: Criminology
The University of the West Indies
Conflict Resolution/Mediation and Negotiation - Levels 1 & 2
Conflict Resolution and Mediation Center Trinidad and Tobago
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Terrorist Financing Diploma - undefined
The School of Business and Continuing Studies
CXC/CAPE - undefined
Iere High School
Legal Practicing Course - Commendation
The University of Westminster