At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a caseload, handle client interactions, and represent clients in court.
- Company: Join a respected legal firm in Gloucestershire with a strong Family Law Department.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000, with potential for negotiation based on experience.
- Other info: Full-time role, Monday to Friday, with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, grow your skills, and make a real impact in family law.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years PQE in Family Law, strong client service skills, and attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
City of London | Office Based | Up to £47,000 DOE
Duty Solicitor – Crime Team
Responsibilities
- Providing expert legal representation and advice to clients detained at police stations, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the investigative process.
- Managing a varied caseload of criminal defence matters from initial instruction through to conclusion, advising clients on a broad spectrum of offences and maintaining high standards of client care throughout.
- Preparing cases, reviewing evidence, liaising with clients, police, prosecutors, and other relevant parties to develop effective defence strategies.
- Conducting advocacy before the Magistrates’ Court, including first appearances, bail applications, case management hearings, pleas, sentencing hearings, and summary trials.
- For candidates with Higher Rights of Audience, undertaking advocacy in the Crown Court, including hearings, applications, and trial work where appropriate.
Qualifications
- At least 1 year’s PQE in criminal matters.
- Crime duty accreditation is preferred but not essential (successful candidates without accreditation will be expected to obtain it by January 2027).
- Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
- IT proficiency and ability to work with case management systems.
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload with minimal supervision.
- Pragmatic, professional, and positive approach to work.
- Passion for publicly funded legal work.
- Strong attention to detail and confidence to work independently as well as in a team.
- Excellent client and team‑building skills.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary up to £47,000 DOE.
- Positive and supportive working environment.
- Exposure to industry specialists and career development opportunities.
- A team that prides itself on promoting from within.
About Our Client
Our client is a nationally recognised multi‑office law firm with an excellent reputation across a variety of legal disciplines. The firm continues to invest heavily in both its people and technology, providing an environment where solicitors are fully supported to succeed professionally whilst maintaining a healthy work‑life balance.
Solicitor employer: GMP Worldwide
Join a prestigious legal firm in Gloucestershire that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work environment. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have the opportunity to grow within a well-respected Family Law Department while enjoying a competitive salary and a supportive team culture. This role not only offers a chance to manage your own caseload but also to contribute to the strategic direction of the department, making it an ideal place for motivated solicitors seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who work in Family Law. Attend local legal events or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the firm’s culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific Family Law cases that the firm has handled recently. Being knowledgeable about their recent work can help you stand out during interviews and show your genuine interest in their practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous case experiences in detail, particularly those involving Divorce and Financial Remedy. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to manage a case load effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the legal software mentioned in the job description, such as SOS case management. Showing that you are tech-savvy and ready to hit the ground running can give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in Family Law, particularly your 3-5 years PQE. Include specific cases or achievements that demonstrate your expertise in Divorce, Private Law Children Act Matters, and Financial Remedy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for Family Law and your commitment to client service. Mention your ability to manage a case load with minimal supervision and your willingness to undertake advocacy in Court.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, emphasise your attention to detail, organisational skills, and ability to work within a team. These are crucial for the role and will help you stand out as a candidate.
Showcase Continuous Professional Development:Mention any ongoing training or professional development activities you've undertaken to stay updated on Family Law. This demonstrates your commitment to the field and your proactive approach to learning.
How to prepare for a job interview at GMP Worldwide
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your 3-5 years PQE in Family Law during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've managed, particularly those involving Divorce and Financial Remedy, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle a similar workload.
✨Demonstrate Client Handling Skills
Since client service is crucial for this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Discuss your approach to dealing with sensitive issues and how you ensure clients feel supported throughout their legal journey.
✨Prepare for Advocacy Questions
As the role involves undertaking advocacy in Court, be ready to discuss your experience with initial hearings and directions appointments. You might even want to prepare a brief outline of a case where you successfully represented a client in court.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Legal Software
If you have experience using legal software like SOS case management, make sure to mention it. If not, do some research on it beforehand so you can discuss how you would adapt to using new technology in your practice.
