Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced and committed Criminal Defence Solicitor to join our busy and highly regarded Criminal Defence Department, specialising in Sexual Offence cases.
The successful applicant must have previous experience working within a Criminal Defence firm, specific experience dealing with Sexual Offence cases, and Police Station Accreditation. You will be expected to manage your own caseload, attend police stations and courts, and prepare cases through to trial.
Minimum Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
- Previous experience working within a Criminal Defence firm
- Previous experience dealing with Sexual Offence cases
- Police Station Accredited
- Strong knowledge of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Sexual Offence Law
- Experience managing a criminal defence caseload independently
- Strong case preparation, analytical and advocacy skills
- Excellent written and oral communication and client care skills
- Highly organised, proactive and able to work under pressure
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to meet a billing target of 7 chargeable hours per day
- Strong IT and case management skills
- Willingness to undertake police station, court and prison attendances, including out-of-hours work
Desirable
- Duty Solicitor status
- Crown Court advocacy experience
- Experience preparing Sexual Offence cases for trial
- Experience dealing with serious or complex Sexual Offence allegations
- Experience working with Counsel and expert witnesses
- Legal Aid and publicly funded criminal defence experience
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a caseload of criminal defence matters, including Sexual Offence cases, from instruction through to conclusion
- Taking detailed instructions and advising clients on their legal position, plea and case strategy
- Attending police stations, courts and prisons, including out-of-hours police station attendances
- Obtaining, reviewing and analysing evidence, statements and disclosure
- Preparing cases for Magistrates' Court and Crown Court hearings and trial
- Drafting correspondence, statements, applications, notices and other legal documents
- Instructing and liaising with Counsel, experts and other third parties
- Preparing clients for hearings, conferences and trial
- Undertaking advocacy where competent and authorised
- Negotiating with the prosecution and liaising with Counsel, CPS and other professionals
- Providing sensitive and professional client care throughout proceedings
- Progressing files efficiently and meeting deadlines
- Maintaining accurate time recording and achieving the firm's 7 chargeable hours per day target
- Ensuring files are maintained and submitted for billing in accordance with firm procedures
- Complying with relevant regulatory and contractual requirements
- Keeping up to date with developments in Criminal Law and Sexual Offence Law
- Attending training and contributing to the firm's professional development and business development
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.
The role is office based, with regular attendance at police stations, courts and prisons as required.
Immediate start available.
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 have previous experience within a Criminal Defence firm, specific experience dealing with Sexual Offence cases and Police Station Accreditation, and believe you have the skills and commitment required for this role, we invite you to submit your CV.
