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- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic criminal law team while managing a significant caseload.
- Company: Join Askews Group, a respected legal practice dedicated to high-quality client services.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for professional development and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of criminal law and make a real impact in clients' lives.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with significant experience in criminal law and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This role is based in Coventry, Warwickshire, with potential for growth in a new contract.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Askews Group is a well-established and respected legal practice committed to providing high-quality legal services to our clients. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Criminal Department who is also a committed and proficient Duty Solicitor to lead and develop our criminal law team. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven individual to shape the future of our criminal practice and contribute to the firm's continued success.
Location: Coventry, Warwickshire
Reporting to: Teerath Gill
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Management:
- Provide strong and effective leadership to the Criminal Department team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
- Develop and implement strategic plans for the growth and development of the Criminal Department, aligning with the firm's overall objectives.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the department, ensuring efficient workflow, adherence to procedures, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Manage and mentor fee earners and support staff within the department, including conducting performance reviews, identifying training needs, and promoting professional development.
- Allocate caseloads effectively and ensure appropriate levels of supervision and support are provided.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial performance of the department, taking proactive steps to achieve targets.
- Contribute to the firm's overall management and strategic decision-making as part of the wider leadership team.
- Ensure the department maintains up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law, and best practices.
- Promote and maintain the firm's reputation for excellence in criminal law.
- Maintain a significant caseload of criminal matters, representing clients across a broad range of offences.
- Provide expert legal advice and representation to clients at police stations, Magistrates' Courts, and Crown Courts.
- Conduct thorough case analysis, prepare legal arguments, and draft relevant documentation.
- Exercise strong advocacy skills in court proceedings, effectively representing clients' interests.
- Maintain a high level of technical expertise in criminal law and procedure.
- Act as a Duty Solicitor, providing legal advice and representation to individuals detained at police stations and attending court duty rotas as required.
- Ensure compliance with Legal Aid Agency Duty Solicitor Scheme requirements and protocols.
- Effectively manage and prioritise urgent and often complex situations encountered as a Duty Solicitor.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for business development and growth within the criminal law sector.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the police, courts, and other relevant organisations.
- Participate in networking events and contribute to the firm's marketing and business development initiatives.
- Ensure the Criminal Department operates in full compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including the SRA Code of Conduct and Legal Aid Agency guidelines.
- Implement and maintain robust quality assurance procedures to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services.
- Address any complaints or concerns effectively and professionally.
Person Specification:
- Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with significant post-qualification experience (PQE) in criminal law.
- Accredited Duty Solicitor with a proven track record of effectively undertaking Duty Solicitor responsibilities.
- Demonstrable experience in leading and managing a team, with strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent technical knowledge of criminal law and procedure, including experience in a wide range of criminal cases.
- Strong advocacy skills and experience of representing clients in various court settings.
- Proven ability to manage a complex caseload and work effectively under pressure.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Strong business acumen and a proactive approach to business development.
- Commitment to providing exceptional client care.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent IT skills and proficiency in case management systems.
Head of Criminal Department (Duty Solicitor) employer: Askews Legal LLP
Contact Detail:
Askews Legal LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Criminal Department (Duty Solicitor)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who work in criminal law. Attend relevant events and seminars to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the firm.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in criminal law and the specific challenges facing the sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in your field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would manage a team effectively. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or improved departmental performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your business development skills by identifying potential growth opportunities for the criminal department. Be ready to present ideas on how you could enhance the firm's reputation and client base during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Criminal Department (Duty Solicitor)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in criminal law, particularly your leadership roles and Duty Solicitor responsibilities. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for criminal law and your vision for leading the department. Mention how you can contribute to the firm's success and align with their objectives.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience in managing teams and mentoring staff. Provide examples of how you've fostered a collaborative environment and achieved performance targets in previous roles.
Highlight Business Development Experience: Discuss any previous experience you have in business development within the legal sector. Mention specific strategies you've implemented to grow a practice or build relationships with stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Askews Legal LLP
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Criminal Department, demonstrating your leadership abilities is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on fostering collaboration and achieving high performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Legal Expertise
Be ready to discuss your technical knowledge of criminal law and procedure. Highlight specific cases you've worked on, showcasing your advocacy skills and ability to manage complex situations effectively.
✨Prepare for Business Development Questions
Since business development is key for this role, think about strategies you've implemented in the past. Be prepared to discuss how you would identify opportunities for growth within the criminal law sector.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Quality Assurance
Understanding regulatory requirements is vital. Be prepared to talk about your experience with compliance, quality assurance procedures, and how you've addressed any challenges in these areas.
