At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Public Law team and manage diverse legal cases.
- Company: Top-tier law firm in the City of London with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a paperless firm committed to diversity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public law while working with award-winning professionals.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with at least 1 year of public law experience.
The predicted salary is between 52200 - 63800 £ per year.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd) is regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority and was founded in 1998, headquartered in the City of London. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all key practice areas. We are a paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, servicing both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We have been awarded Law Firm of the Year at the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards, reflecting our dedication to legal expertise and client service. We hold Investors in People Gold Standard accreditation for over 15 years, showcasing our commitment to professional development.
Our Public Law team is applauded by the Legal 500 UK directory as a “dynamic team”, ranked and recommended for its excellence in Public Law UK-wide. The department undertakes both publicly (legal aid) and privately funded work and has experience in all aspects of civil liberties and judicial review claimant matters against the Home Office, HMRC, local authority, NHS including obtaining emergency orders and other interim relief to prevent human rights violations. The department regularly follows up judicial reviews with actions for damages in both the County and High Courts and successfully pursues matters to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Report directly to Department Director
- Responsible for all aspects of Public Law work including providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members
- Ability to manage and supervise Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors and Caseworkers
- Assisting with delivery of appropriate training and development in the department
- Variety of duties including dealing with a range of Public Law work such as unlawful detention, false imprisonment, abuse by detention staff, age assessments, asylum support, challenging non-appealable decisions, NHS & Local Authority challenges, and bail decisions
- Preparing and managing funding applications to the Legal Aid Agency
- Preparing draft documents including witness statements and processing evidence
- Attending conferences and court
You will have a professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and be interested in Business Development and Marketing.
Key Skills Required:
- Qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 1 year's post-qualification experience (PQE) in public law
- Must have a clean, valid Practising Certificate at the time of application
- Experience in unlawful detention, Judicial Review proceedings, and/or false imprisonment claims is highly desirable
- Strong management skills
- Committed team player with ability to foster a culture of positive change
- Previous proven supervisory experience and working to key performance indicators
- Excellent networking and communication skills
- Working knowledge of the Legal Aid Guidance for Public Law matters
- Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills
What we offer:
- Competitive salary
- A fantastic supportive team
- Excellent progression opportunities
- Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition
Public Law Solicitor – City Of London employer: Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on publicly funded housing matters, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work while benefiting from a hybrid role that promotes work-life balance and collaboration across multiple offices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Law Solicitor – City Of London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Duncan Lewis Solicitors, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Law Solicitor – City Of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Duncan Lewis Solicitors and the specific role of Public Law Solicitor – City Of London. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Duncan Lewis Solicitors’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis Solicitors
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Duncan Lewis Solicitors.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Duncan Lewis Solicitors.
