Solicitor

The Solicitor will report to the Partner and will be responsible for dealing with delegated work within their own areas of competence and achieving performance targets as set by the practice. The Solicitor will provide expert legal support and advice to clients, offer support to other Heads of Departments, Partner, Managing Officer and/or Directors, and manage their own caseload while dealing with clients.

Furthermore, the Solicitor will supervise and educate fee earners as they work on their individual caseloads, positively promote quality of service to clients, raise the quality level, and create new business for the practice whenever possible.

Purpose/Main Objectives:

• To support all practice decisions, carrying out any actions required.
• To provide any support required by the Heads of Departments, Partner, Managing Officer, Directors, and fee earners.
• To act on behalf of Heads of Departments as required.
• To refer clients to other departments within the firm when appropriate.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Deal with delegated cases as required, reporting progress to the Head of Department, Partner, Managing Officer and/or Directors; act on behalf of clients in disputes and represent them in court.
• Deal with all aspects of immigration litigation, review all files, and prepare for hearings, appeal hearings, and judicial review hearings.
• Liaise with clients and other professionals such as barristers in a prompt and professional manner; coordinate the work of all parties involved.
• Advise and negotiate with clients and other professionals to secure agreed objectives.
• Research and analyse documents and case law to ensure the accuracy of advice and procedure.
• Always act in a trustworthy and confidential manner; have integrity and sensitivity.
• Ensure quality of service levels are to standard and follow internal methods, policies, and procedures as set by the Office Manual.
• Remain informed of changes in any area of specialisation to maintain service quality.
• Carry out file reviews as appropriate.
• Prepare Briefs to Counsel; deal with correspondence, adhere to accurate and comprehensive file management and maintenance practices of caseload according to company policy and procedures.
• Maintain diaries & time recording.
• Work as part of a team and give concise and reasonable instructions.
• Conduct legal research and gather relevant information on cases.
• Draft legal documents, prepare applications, and take statements from witnesses and other parties.
• Carry out other types of administrative duties such as billing, invoicing, time recording, compile litigation bundles, and collect and organise evidence.
• Network with clients and build valuable relationships to enhance the company’s reputation and cultivate new business opportunities.
• Assist during trial by taking notes, preparing exhibits, preparing files, and reading court transcripts.
• Report progress to the Head of Department.
• Use the company’s case management system.
• Any other ad hoc duties as directed by the Head of Department, Partner, Managing Officer and/or Directors.

Relationships:

• Internal: Supportive to the Directors, Heads of Department, Partner, Managing Officer and colleagues.
• External: Promoting the practice wherever possible through PR and quality of service.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Essential: Qualified Solicitor or In-house Counsel; previous experience of dealing with relevant department cases; ability to multi-task and prioritise; highly organised; superior research skills; strong client relationship skills; trustworthy and discreet; able to work well under pressure; excellent oral and written communication; good commercial awareness; self-starter; computer literacy.
• Desirable: Own client following.