Job Description:
We are a highly regarded Criminal Defence Department seeking a committed and experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor to join our busy and expanding team.
The successful candidate will have a genuine passion for criminal defence, excellent client care skills and the ability to manage a busy caseload independently from instruction through to conclusion.
Minimum Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
- Demonstrable interest and passion for Criminal Defence
- Previous experience handling criminal defence matters
- Strong knowledge of Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure
- Ability to manage a caseload independently
- Excellent client care, communication and organisational skills
- Highly organised, hardworking and proactive
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
- Ability to meet a billing target of 7 chargeable hours per day
- Strong IT and case management skills
- Willingness to attend police stations, prisons and courts, including out-of-hours
Desirable
- Police Station Accreditation
- Duty Solicitor status
- Magistrates' Court and/or Crown Court advocacy experience
- Legal Aid experience
- Experience preparing cases for trial
- Experience dealing with serious or complex criminal matters
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a criminal defence caseload from initial instruction through to conclusion
- Taking instructions and advising clients on their legal position, plea and case strategy
- Attending police stations, prisons, Magistrates' Courts and Crown Courts
- Obtaining, reviewing and analysing evidence, statements and disclosure
- Preparing cases for hearings and trial
- Drafting correspondence, statements, applications, notices and other legal documents
- Instructing and liaising with Counsel, experts and other third parties
- Undertaking advocacy where competent and authorised
- Negotiating with the prosecution and other relevant parties
- Maintaining excellent client communication and care throughout each matter
- Progressing files efficiently and meeting all relevant deadlines
- Maintaining accurate time recording and achieving billing targets
- Ensuring files are maintained and closed in accordance with firm procedures
- Complying with relevant SRA, Legal Aid Agency, SQM and Lexcel requirements
- Keeping up to date with developments in Criminal Law and Procedure
- Attending training and contributing to the firm's professional development and business development
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential:
- Criminal defence casework
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Case preparation and client conferences
- Excellent written and oral communication
- Strong client care and organisational skills
- Ability to work independently and under pressure
- Strong IT and case management skills
Desirable:
- Police Station Accreditation
- Duty Solicitor status
- Advocacy experience
- Magistrates' and Crown Court experience
- Legal Aid experience
Working Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:30pm
Police Station and other out-of-hours attendances will attract competitive overtime rates.
This is a busy and challenging role within a Criminal Defence Department that prides itself on representing clients fiercely, effectively and professionally.
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Work from home
- Competitive overtime rates
- Training and professional development
Work Location: In person
If you are passionate about Criminal Defence and have the experience, commitment and skills required, we invite you to submit your CV.
Work Location: In person
