Criminal Solicitor

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