The role
To undertake such tasks as requested by the Family Law team lawyers. Under the supervision of the family lawyers, to undertake fee-earning work and provide a profitable contribution to the work of the Department through the achievement of agreed financial and non-financial targets. To ensure the successful development of the firm in line with the firm’s business plan and any agreed personal goal plan.
Responsibilities
* Assisting with and supporting the management of the family department case load.
* Assisting the family lawyers in the day-to-day Management of their case load.
* Undertaking fee earning work under the supervision of a lawyer.
* Ensuring all messages, correspondence, communications, and emails are delivered to the relevant lawyer accurately and without delay.
* Transcribing dictation as and when required.
* Drafting applications.
* Filing and other general office tasks.
* Covering (when and if required) for other members of staff when they are absent.
* Attending case conferences, pre-proceeding meetings and professional meetings.
* Assisting the lawyers with the management of cases from start to conclusion and keeping the clients informed of developments of the case through oral and written updates.
* Ensuring the compliance with Court directions and timetables.
* Dealing with and responding to, routine incoming correspondence and e-mails.
* Monitoring the care department e-mails and actioning the same.
* Dealing with routine incoming telephone calls and enquiries.
* Opening files and ensuring the same are opened in accordance with our policies and procedures.
* Drafting documents to include statements, letters, briefs to Counsel, schedules etc.
* Preparing Court Bundles when our client is the Applicant (in accordance with Court protocol).
* Demonstrating organisational skills.
* Managing own diary that of the family department lawyers, checking representation for all hearings and meetings is arranged.
* Working through the brought forward diary system and completing the necessary work under the supervision of a lawyer.
* Keeping the diary up to date.
* Managing clients’ expectations.
* Attending upon clients both in person and remotely to obtain instructions.
* Being familiar with and complying with all SH&CO office manual, practices and procedures.
* Preparing cases for Court hearings.
* Attending conferences with Counsel and client where appropriate. Attending Court with client and Counsel where appropriate.
* Drafting and amending letters of instruction to expert.
* Completing legal aid applications.
* Preparing Legal Aid Bills and submitting the same.
* Managing files efficiently and in accordance with set procedures.
* Checking cost estimates and cost limits on legal aid certificate files and liaising with billing clerk / lawyers in relation to the same.
* Completing time recording on all matters.
* Keeping all files in neat and orderly manner to ensure any other lawyers will be able to see the stage of a case at a glance.
* Inputting data into the firm’s computer system as required
* Liaising with members of staff in other teams or external contacts as necessary
* Prioritising workload in consultation with the lawyer concerned.
* Deputising in the lawyer’s absence passing urgent issues to another senior fee earner for guidance
* Engaging in dealing with initial client enquiries to ensure they are assigned to the most appropriate person.
* Notifying the appropriate supervisor immediately of any concerns that could lead potentially to a complaint.
* Supporting other colleagues and engaging in such tasks as are allocated to you.
Personal Development
* Undergo such training as might be appropriate for the role and in accordance with SRA requirements.
* Keep up to date with changes and developments in the specialised area in practice of public childcare law.
* Engage and if appropriate, assist with in-house training as may be required.
* Be responsible for and attend to issues of personal self-development as may be identified in supervision and/or annual appraisals.
Business Development Responsibilities
* Assist the family team in pursuing potential business leads.
* Assist the family team in Building up a network of referrals from other solicitors and professionals.
* Maintain relationship with professionals to build reputation and client base.
* Effectively promote and cross refer other areas of law within the practice where applicable to help maximise our service delivery to clients.
* Provide advice to potential clients through the free half hour advice. Supporting other lawyers at holiday time and/or periods of illness.
Other areas of duty
* At all times exercise a high standard of client care in a professional, efficient and pleasant manner.
* Be pro-active in promoting the services of the firm, its professional image and ethos in relation to the delivery of a high-quality service.
* Ensure the preservation of confidentiality and security of all the firm’s and client documentation and information at all times.
* Comply with the Solicitors Accounts Rules and the Professional Code of Conduct laid down by the SRA, Law Society, Lexcel, Resolution and any other relevant professional bodies.
* Maintain clear and precise communications with other personnel within the firm.
* Carry out any other duties as appropriate to the nature of the post as may be required.
* Attend staff and, where appropriate, monthly family law department meetings as required.
* Uphold the aims and principles of the firm’s policies.
Salary - £Negotiable, depending on experience, + benefits
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