Solicitor in Belfast

The Senior Immigration Solicitor will be responsible for handling delegated work within their areas of competence and meeting performance targets set by the practice. They will provide expert legal support and advice to clients, offer support to heads of departments, partners, managing officers and directors, manage their caseload, supervise and educate fee earners, promote quality of service, and cultivate new business opportunities.

Purpose / Main Objectives

• To support all practice decisions and carry out any required actions.
• To provide assistance to heads of departments, partners, managing officers, directors and fee earners.
• To represent the firm on behalf of heads of departments as needed.
• To be alert to other legal services clients may require and refer them to appropriate departments when appropriate.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Deal with delegated cases, 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.
• Handle all aspects of immigration litigation, review files, and work on all components of the cases.
• Prepare for hearings, appeal hearings, judicial review hearings, issue proceedings, and all trial aspects (if applicable); this list is not exhaustive.
• Liaise with clients and other professionals such as barristers promptly and professionally; coordinate the work of all parties involved; instruct barristers or specialist advocates to appear in complex disputes.
• 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; maintain integrity and sensitivity.
• Ensure quality of service levels meet standards.
• Follow internal methods, policies, and procedures as set by the Office Manual.
• Stay informed of changes in any area of specialization, maintaining service quality; carry out file reviews as appropriate.
• Prepare briefs to counsel; handle correspondence; maintain accurate and comprehensive file management and maintenance practices according to company policy and procedures.
• Maintain diaries and time recording.
• Work as part of a team and provide concise and reasonable instructions.
• Conduct legal research and gather relevant case information, including facts, applicable laws, judicial decisions, and legal articles.
• Draft legal documents, prepare applications, and apply for administrative reviews.
• Take statements from witnesses and other parties; interview clients and pass on relevant information.
• Carry out other administrative duties such as billing, invoicing, time recording, compile litigation bundles, handle correspondence, collect and organize evidence; calculate claims for damages, compensation, and maintenance.
• Network with clients and build valuable relationships to enhance the firm's reputation and cultivate new business opportunities.
• Assist during trials by taking notes, preparing exhibits, preparing files, and reviewing court transcripts.
• Report progress to the head of department.
• Use the company's case management system.
• Perform any other ad-hoc duties as directed by the head of department, partner, managing officer and/or directors.

Relationships

• Internal: Supportive to directors, heads of department, partners, managing officers and colleagues.
• External: Promote the practice wherever possible through PR and quality of service.

Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience dealing with relevant department cases.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and understand deadline importance.
• Highly organized; productive, flexible, and able to manage multiple cases in a performance-driven environment.
• Superior research skills and data-maintenance skills.
• Strong client-relationship skills; ability to establish positive, cooperative, professional relationships internally and externally.
• Highly trustworthy, discreet, and using good judgment.
• Works well under pressure without sacrificing attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication essential.
• Good commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to work autonomously; proactive and eager to learn.
• Self-awareness and a commitment to using feedback for professional development.
• Ability to read, digest, and process large amounts of information into usable data for legal cases.
• Computer literacy.
• Own client following.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Legal and Business Development

Industries: Business Consulting and Services