Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd) is a leading UK law firm headquartered in London with offices nationwide. The firm is recognised by the Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, and has received awards such as Law Firm of the Year 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards.
Public Law Solicitor Director – Newcastle
The Public Law team is a highly respected department that handles civil liberties, judicial review, and public‑law immigration cases, working closely with government agencies and the courts. The Director will report directly to the Board and lead the team in delivering high‑quality legal services.
Main Responsibilities of the Role
* Report directly to the Board to ensure performance targets are met.
* Provide technical expertise and guidance to the Public Law team.
* Manage and supervise solicitors, trainee solicitors, and caseworkers, overseeing caseloads and complexities.
* Develop and deliver training and professional development within the department.
* Handle a broad range of Public Law work, including unlawful detention, false imprisonment, age assessments, asylum support, removal challenges, NHS and local‑authority challenges, and Immigration and Asylum Tribunal matters.
* Prepare and manage funding applications to the Legal Aid Agency.
* Draft witness statements, prepare evidence, and prepare application forms with supporting documentation.
* Attend conferences and courts as required.
* Maintain a proactive client‑care approach and support business development and marketing initiatives.
Key Skills and Requirements
* 5 + years of post‑qualification experience (PQE) in Public Law.
* Valid practising certificate at the time of application.
* Strong management and supervisory skills with a proven track record of meeting key performance indicators.
* Excellent client‑care and communication skills, particularly when dealing with vulnerable clients.
* Ability to use own initiative, exercise sound judgment, and organise complex cases effectively.
* In‑depth knowledge of Legal Aid Guidance for Public Law matters and experience in privately funded cases.
* Superb networking and business‑development abilities to generate new work for the firm.
* Strong IT skills – proficiency with Microsoft Office and document‑management systems.
Equal Opportunities
Duncan Lewis is committed to equal opportunities and embraces diversity across all staff levels. We guarantee an interview for candidates who disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please provide additional details in your covering letter.
Applications submitted by agencies will not be accepted for this vacancy. To apply, please visit our website and submit your application online.
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