Koror State Public Lands Authority Vacancy

JOB TITLE: Koror State Public Lands Authority (“KSPLA”) invites applicants for the position of Assistant Legal Counsel.

SALARY: $55,000 annually depending on qualifications.

AVAILABILTY: For placement in January 2027.

OTHER BENEFITS: Annual leave, sick leave, option for affordable supplemental health insurance, fifty percent (50%) co-payment for cell phone plan, transportation from and back to  point of hire, and either free government housing or a housing stipend.

LOCATION: Koror State Capital, Koror State, Republic of Palau.

DURATION: Full time, working onsite at an office location. A two year (renewable) contract.

JOB DESCRIPTION:  

As Assistant Legal Counsel, you will support the Supervising Legal Counsel in KSPLA legal matters. These responsibilities may include the following: 

•         Litigation: Assist and represent KSPLA in the Republic’s Land Court in claims for the return of public lands.
•         Diverse Supreme Court Litigation: Assist and handle a wide range of legal matters in the Trial Division of the Supreme Court, including collection cases, evictions, and boundary disputes.
•         Frequent Court Appearances: Be prepared for regular and frequent appearances in both the Land Court and the Supreme Court.
•         Extensive Rent Collection & Reconciliation: Support and manage significant responsibilities related to the collection of rent and the reconciliation of accounts. 
•         Real Property Document Drafting: Create and review leases and other critical real property documents.
•         Legal & Historical Research: Conduct in-depth legal and historical research to support KSPLA’s positions.
•         Communication & Advice: Draft legal correspondence, attend meetings, and provide strategic legal advice to KSPLA and its staff.

LOCATION: The Republic of Palau is a small island nation in the Pacific between the Philippines and Guam, and was once a U.S. Trust Territory. It is famous for its beautiful coral reefs and worldclass scuba diving—known as one of the “Seven Underwater Wonders of the World.” There are approximately 20,000 people living on 340 islands that make up Palau and most reside in the State of Koror. The official languages are Palauan and English. Official and court proceedings are conducted in Palauan or English. If conducted in Palauan, the proceedings are translated for nonPalauan speakers. The currency is the U.S. Dollar, and electricity is at 110 volts. Palau has very good communications including a US-styled post office, a modern cellular phone system, and internet connection. There is a national hospital and two private medical clinics. Supplemental health insurance is available. However, catastrophic medical evacuation insurance must be obtained at the Employee’s expense from outside Palau if desired. There are several FDIC insured banks and modern grocery stores. There are no movie theatres or bookstores. The weather is tropical, hot and humid year-round, with a lot of rainfall. Palau’s income tax rate is at approximately twelve percent (12%).              

THE CANDIDATE: To thrive in this role, the successful candidate will be a highly motivated individual holding a Juris Doctor (JD) and maintaining active membership in good standing with a State Bar in the United States. We are seeking an applicant who brings a minimum of one year of demonstrable experience in trial work, providing legal counsel, or handling land/real estate matters. A strong working knowledge of administrative law and procedure will be considered a significant advantage. This pivotal position demands exceptional organizational, prioritization, and time-management capabilities. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating arbitration and mediation requirements and will possess outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated and personable professional who fosters positive working relationships with a friendly, relaxed, and accessible approach.

Additionally, a successful candidate will be able to work both independently and under the supervision of the Supervising Legal Counsel and Executive Director of KSPLA. 

CONTACT: Applicants should direct a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to the Supervising KSPLA Legal Counsel, Hannah Robertson at kspla.lc@gmail.com. Vacancy is opened until filled, but KSPLA is seeking placement for this position sometime in January 2027.