Our client, a regional law firm, are recruiting for an ambitious and experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor for their established Salisbury, Hampshire office.
We are looking for someone to join our specialist team of lawyers and support staff dedicated to providing the highest standards of client care across the full range of criminal matters both day and night. The firm has an excellent reputation due to its sound knowledge of the criminal justice system and experienced members of staff.
We will consider applications from individuals looking for both part-time and full-time hours or with flexible working hours.
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
* Arranging appointments and attending new, current and former clients and dealing with their queries including.
* Obtaining instructions and advising on course(s) of action, length and cost of case (as appropriate).
* Assessment of client’s financial means and explanation of Public Funding or Private terms and conditions.
* Making applications for Legal Aid or obtaining private funds as appropriate.
* Attending clients at Courts and/or Detention centres. Both inside and outside of office hours.
* Drafting and/or dictating correspondence to client, court, solicitors counsel and other third parties, including Statements, Notices, Applications, and other Legal Forms/Documents.
* Instructing counsel, experts, solicitor advocates or other third parties, reviewing reports and continued liaison as required.
* Arranging hearings and conferences.
* Obtaining and reviewing evidence and statements.
* Negotiation on client’s behalf and, liaising with opponents, judges, etc. to obtain most preferable outcome for clients.
* Ensuring efficient day-to-day progress of all matters, prioritising work as necessary and keeping the client informed on progress.
* Filing documents to client files, dealing with closed files, and maintaining the firm’s closed file records.
Experience
* Qualified Solicitor or ILEX Accredited
* Court Duty and Police Station Duty Accredited – an advantage but not essential – but a willingness to become duty qualified is essential
* LAA Supervisor – an advantage but not essential – but a willingness to become qualified essential
* Must have a valid Practicing Certificate at the time of applying.
* Full clean Driving Licence essential.
* Have experience of handling a criminal defence caseload.
Skills
* Excellent analytical and organisational skills.
* Excellent IT skills, familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management systems.
* Excellent client care skills and ability to deal with clients in a sensitive manner in particular to deal with vulnerable clients.
* Committed team player and capable of adapting well to new challenges.
* Professional pro-active approach.
* The ability to meet and exceed tight deadlines.
Should you have any questions or wish to apply please do not hesitate to contact Clear Legal and Financial Recruitment.
Please Note: Due to the number of applications we receive we may be unable to respond to every application directly. If you have not heard from us within 3 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful