About the Role
We are looking for a criminal defence solicitor to join our dedicated team on a full-time basis at in Leeds city centre. Our ideal candidate will provide high quality legal advice, assistance and advocacy to clients, whilst maintaining our high standards of client care. They will also have Duty Solicitor status, however this is not essential as we are willing to develop someone who would like to obtain this qualification.
The role involves managing a busy caseload of criminal matters including all aspects of criminal litigation but with an emphasis on Magistrates Court advocacy. The successful candidate will deal with matters at all stages in accordance with department, firm, LAA and Lexcel policies and procedures.
KEY DUTIES:
Taking instructions from clients and advising accordingly.
Instructing counsel or other experts if necessary.
Representing clients at Court (including advocacy) as appropriate.
Obtaining and preparing file documentation.
Cost drafting as appropriate.
Billing files and obtaining monies due to the firm from the clients, the Legal Aid Agency and other parties.
Requirements
KEY SKILLS
Ability to present and argue a case orally and in writing.
Ability to deal with technical details and to express solutions to complex legal problems in a concise and customer-friendly way.
Strong time management skills.
A flexible, ‘can-do’ attitude.
Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.
Professional yet approachable communication and client care.
Excellent written communication to produce documents for the clients, court and other parties.
A natural ambassador for the firm.
Flexibility with travel to court/police stations if required.
EXPERIENCE
All levels of PQE will be considered