Description:
The Role
You'll be responsible for:
- Fulfilling the legal aid contract requirements to be a supervising solicitor, to include:
- Attending the magistrates' court and police station (duty status not required)
- Supervising and reviewing files for several of the firm's legal aid solicitors/paralegals
- Assisting with new enquiries, assessing and determining suitability for private or legal aid representation
- Onboarding new clients
- Managing your own caseload, preparing case files, ensuring thorough case preparation and compliance with Legal Aid Agency and Lexcel requirements
- Liaising with clients and third parties in the criminal justice system
- Assisting the partners with their caseloads
- Taking part in the out-of-hours rota
What We're Looking For
- A qualified solicitor with criminal defence and advocacy experience
- Knowledge and experience of legal aid procedures
- Experience or enthusiasm for working with privately paying clients
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritise workloads, and maintain attention to detail under pressure
- A collaborative team player who works well with colleagues, clients, and external professionals
- Commitment to upholding high ethical standards and confidentiality in legal practice
- Keenness to contribute to the firm's marketing and networking strategy