At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Crime team and manage your own caseload in a supportive environment.
- Company: Smith Partnership, a leading and progressive law firm in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and a diverse client base.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in clients' lives while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Law degree or equivalent experience with at least 1 year PQE in criminal law.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Hours: Full-Time (35 hours per week), however part time will be considered.
Salary: Competitive (to be discussed on short-listing).
Office: Leicester.
Smith Partnership is a leading law firm in the Midlands. A forward thinking and progressive firm employing around 200 staff across 5 offices. We are renowned for our comprehensive legal services and exceptional client care.
Role overview:
An opportunity has arisen at our Leicester office, for a Criminal Solicitor to join our Crime team. The successful candidate will be joining a long-established department with a highly respected team of Criminal Defence Solicitors. The ideal candidate would be a Duty Solicitor with at least 1+ year’s PQE in criminal law dealing with a wide range of cases before the Magistrates Court and Youth Court. Some experience of Crown Court work would be welcomed. You will manage your own caseload and attend clients at Police Stations and Magistrates’ Courts in and around the Leicestershire area.
Key requirements:
- A degree in Law or a relevant field or equivalent experience.
- PQE of at least 1 year.
- Police Station Accreditation.
- Previous experience in a similar role.
- Ability to work on the Police Station out of hours rota.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to travel to different Court centres and Police Stations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Benefits & perks:
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
- Hybrid working.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- Access to ongoing training and development programs.
- A chance to work with a diverse and prestigious client base.
Smith Partnership is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. Please read our Candidate Privacy Notice.
Criminal Solicitor / Criminal Defence Advocate with Duty Solicitor Status employer: Smith Partnership
Smith Partnership is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the heart of the Midlands. With a commitment to employee growth through ongoing training and development programmes, we provide our Criminal Solicitors with the opportunity to manage diverse cases while enjoying a competitive salary and hybrid working options. Join us to be part of a progressive law firm that values exceptional client care and fosters career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Solicitor / Criminal Defence Advocate with Duty Solicitor Status
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other legal professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its values. Understand their approach to criminal law and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences, especially those that highlight your ability to handle cases in the Magistrates Court and Police Stations. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Solicitor / Criminal Defence Advocate with Duty Solicitor Status
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Criminal Solicitor. Highlight your relevant experience, especially your PQE in criminal law and any specific cases you've handled. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about criminal law and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your Duty Solicitor status and any unique experiences that set you apart.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written and verbal communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Keep your language clear and professional, and double-check for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith Partnership
✨Know Your Criminal Law
Brush up on your knowledge of criminal law, especially the areas relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact your work. This shows your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience in handling cases, particularly in Magistrates and Youth Courts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a solicitor, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a brief explanation of a complex legal concept to demonstrate your ability to simplify information for clients.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s approach to criminal defence and their expectations for the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career goals and values.
