Solicitor - Crime
Job Purpose of the Solicitor
To provide high-quality legal advice, representation, and case management in all areas of criminal law, ensuring excellent client care and compliance with regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities of the Solicitor
Client Representation & Case Management
* Advise and represent clients at police stations, Magistrates' Court, and Crown Court.
* Prepare and manage case files from instruction through to conclusion.
* Provide clear and timely legal advice to clients, keeping them updated throughout proceedings.
* Liaise with clients, witnesses, counsel, and third parties as necessary.
Court & Advocacy Work
* Attend and represent clients in court hearings, including bail applications, case management hearings, and trials.
* Conduct advocacy in the Magistrates' Court and, where appropriate, higher courts.
* Brief and liaise with barristers where required.
Document Preparation & Legal Aid
* Draft legal documents including statements, applications, case summaries, and appeals.
* Prepare trial bundles and manage disclosure.
* Deal with Legal Aid applications and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
Legal Research & Compliance
* Keep up to date with criminal legislation, case law, and procedural rules.
* Ensure compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements.
* Maintain high standards of professional conduct and confidentiality.
Team & Business Contribution
* Supervise, support, and delegate work to paralegals and trainee solicitors.
* Review paralegal-prepared documents and ensure accuracy and quality of work.
* Foster a collaborative working environment, ensuring paralegals receive guidance and feedback.
* Contribute to the growth and reputation of the criminal law team.
* Build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
Person Specification for the Solicitor
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualified Solicitor with current practising certificate.
* Duty Solicitor status
* Higher Rights of Audience (advantageous).
* Experience in criminal defence work, including police station and court representation.
* Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff or paralegals (advantageous).
Skills needed for the Solicitor
* Strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
* Excellent drafting and legal research skills.
* Ability to manage heavy caseloads and work to tight deadlines.
* Proficient in case management systems and Microsoft Office.
* Strong leadership, delegation, and mentoring skills.
Qualities needed for the Solicitor
* Professional, confident, and resilient under pressure.
* Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
* Excellent communication and client care abilities.
* Team player with leadership qualities.
* Commitment to access to justice and fairness within the criminal justice system
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