Trainee Assistant Legal Officer - BOC Bank

    

 

Company Overview

Bank of Ceylon (BOC) is Sri Lanka’s largest state-owned commercial bank, established in 1939. It provides a comprehensive range of financial services, including retail banking, corporate banking, trade finance, and treasury operations. With a vast branch network across Sri Lanka and international offices in key global markets, BOC plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth. The bank actively supports industries, SMEs, and international trade while maintaining a strong market share in deposits and loans. Renowned for its digital banking innovations, BOC enhances customer experience with modern financial solutions. Operating under the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s regulations, it upholds international banking standards, ensuring stability and trust.

Reviews Of The Company 

As of January 7, 2025, Review Sri Lanka reports that the Bank of Ceylon holds a customer service rating of 27 out of 100, with an overall user average score of 28 out of 100, based on seven visitor reviews. 

On Glassdoor, Bank of Ceylon has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5, based on over 150 reviews left anonymously by employees. 74% of employees would recommend working at the Bank of Ceylon to a friend, and 92% have a positive outlook for the business. 

On Indeed, a former employee described the Bank of Ceylon as the best place to work in Sri Lanka, highlighting its position as the number one bank in the country with the largest customer base. 

These mixed reviews suggest that while the Bank of Ceylon is a prominent financial institution in Sri Lanka, customer experiences vary. Potential customers should consider these reviews and conduct further research before making banking decisions. 

Normally Position insights 

A Trainee Legal Officer is an entry-level legal professional who assists in legal research, contract drafting, compliance, and regulatory matters. This role provides hands-on experience in corporate law, litigation support, and legal documentation. Typically hired by banks, law firms, and corporate entities, a Trainee Legal Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring legal compliance and supporting senior legal professionals in decision-making processes.

Not mentioned in the job advertisement this is only industry standard for your reference

Normally Benefits Of This Job 

A Trainee Legal Officer role offers valuable career-building opportunities for law graduates seeking hands-on experience in corporate, banking, or regulatory law. Key benefits include:  

Practical Legal Experience Gain exposure to legal drafting, compliance, litigation, and corporate governance.  

• Career Advancement – Opportunity to progress into roles such as Legal Officer, Legal Counsel, or Compliance Manager.  
• Job Security & Stability – Often employed by reputed banks, law firms, and government institutions.  
• Professional Development – Access to legal training, mentorship, and potential sponsorship for further legal studies.  
• Attractive Compensation – Competitive salary with additional perks like allowances, performance bonuses, and medical benefits.  
• Networking & Industry Exposure – Work closely with senior legal professionals, corporate leaders, and regulatory bodies.  
• Work-Life Balance – Depending on the employer, structured work hours and hybrid work options may be available.  

This role is a stepping stone to a successful legal career, providing essential experience in legal compliance and corporate law.

Not mentioned in the job advertisement this is only industry standard for your reference

Description Of The Job

Bank of Ceylon (BOC) is looking for young, energetic, and goal-driven individuals to join its legal division. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in banking law, property transactions, and litigation, providing a strong foundation for a legal career in the financial sector.  

Role Summary: 

• As a Trainee Legal Officer, you will be responsible for providing legal services and ensuring regulatory compliance within the bank. Your duties will include drafting and reviewing legal documents, handling litigation matters, and offering expert legal advice on banking and financial regulations.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Conducting title examinations for immovable properties.  
• Drafting, reviewing, and attesting mortgage bonds and other legal documents.  
• Providing legal opinions and advisory services on banking and financial matters.  
• Representing the bank in court proceedings and litigation cases.  
•  Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.  

Qualifications Of The Job 

To apply for the Trainee Assistant Legal Officer position at the Bank of Ceylon, candidates must meet the following requirements:  

• Citizenship: Must be a Sri Lankan citizen.  
• Qualifications: Attorney-at-Law & Notary Public with a valid license to practice in English.  
• Experience: A minimum of one year of post-qualifying experience in the legal field. Experience in banking or financial institutions is preferred.  
• Skills & Competencies:  
• Strong computer literacy and excellent communication skills.  
• Ability to work independently and handle legal matters efficiently.  
• Age Limit: Must be 32 years or below as of the application closing date.  

Salary Range  Insights

The salary range for a Trainee Assistant Legal Officer in Sri Lanka varies based on the employer and industry. 

Bank of Ceylon (BOC)  

• Year 1: Rs. 90,000 per month  
• Year 2: Rs. 100,000 per month  

General Legal Assistant Salary (Industry Average)  

• Minimum: Rs. 24,200 per month  
•  Average: Rs. 49,300 per month  
• Maximum: Rs. 76,900 per month  

The BOC trainee salary is significantly higher than the industry average, even during the first year. Many legal assistants earn around Rs. 49,300 per month, which is lower than the BOC trainee salary. The upper-end salaries (Rs. 76,900) in the industry are still lower than BOC’s second-year trainee salary (Rs. 100,000) Trainee positions at large financial institutions like BOC offer higher pay compared to general legal assistant roles in other industries. However, long-term career prospects and salary growth depend on the organization and experience level.

How To Apply 

Application Procedure for Trainee Assistant Legal Officer – Bank of Ceylon (BOC)  

Online Submission:  

• Applications must be submitted through the official Bank of Ceylon website (https://www.boc.lk)  

Navigate to the “Careers” section and locate the relevant job posting.  

        You can find the link below this post

Deadline:  

• The closing date for applications is 22nd February 2025.  
• Ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline.  

Application Reference Number:  

• After submission, keep the “Application Reference Number” for future reference.  

 Submission Guidelines:  

•  Applications submitted through any other method will not be accepted.  
•  Ensure that all required information is accurate and complete.  

Important Notes:  

• Any application that does not meet the eligibility criteria at the closing date or contains incorrect information will be rejected without notice.  
• Read the “Personal Data Protection Notice for Recruitment” available under the HR Management section on the BOC website before applying.  
• Follow the “Instructions to Candidates” on the Careers Page when filling out the online application form.  

 10 Tips to Create the Best CV For this Job

1. Use a Professional Format:  

• Keep your CV well-structured, clean, and concise (1-2 pages maximum). 
• Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.  

2. Start with a Strong Summary:  

Write a brief professional summary highlighting your legal expertise, qualifications, and key skills.

Example:  

         "A dedicated Attorney-at-Law & Notary Public with 2 years of experience in property law and financial documentation. Skilled in drafting mortgage bonds, handling litigation matters, and  providing legal counsel within the banking sector."  

3. Highlight Your Legal Qualifications:  

•    Mention your Attorney-at-Law & Notary Public certification and license to practice in English.  
•    If you have a Notarial License for Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, or Kegalle, make it stand out.  

4. Emphasize Relevant Work Experience:  

•     Mention at least 1 year of legal experience, particularly in banking, real estate, or financial institutions.  
•    Focus on responsibilities like drafting legal documents, title examination, and court representation.  
•   Use action words like _Drafted, Reviewed, Negotiated, Represented, and Conducted_ to showcase impact.  

5. Showcase Key Skills & Attributes:  

•   Legal Drafting & Documentation  
•   Property & Banking Law Knowledge  
•    Litigation & Court Representation  
•    Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills  
•    Strong Communication & Negotiation  
•    Computer Literacy (MS Office, Legal Research Tools)  

6. Mention Additional Certifications or Training:  

•    If you have attended legal workshops, banking law training, or compliance courses, include them.  
•   This shows your commitment to professional development.  

7. Include Achievements & Notable Cases (If Applicable):  

•  If you have successfully handled complex legal cases or contributed to major agreements, mention them briefly.  

8. Add a Strong Educational Section:  

•   List your Law Degree and any postgraduate legal certifications.  
•   Mention any awards or distinctions received in law school.  

9. Keep Contact Details Professional:  

•   Use a formal email address (e.g., yourname@gmail.com, not funky123@gmail.com).  
•   Ensure your phone number is active.  

10. Proofread & Optimize for ATS:  

•   Avoid spelling and grammatical errors. 
• Use keywords from the job description to ensure your CV passes applicant tracking systems (ATS).