Criminal Solicitor

Criminal Solicitor | Dudley | Full Time | Hybrid | £30,000–£55,000 per annum, depending on experience

Our client is a law firm with deep roots in the Black Country and a growing presence across the wider West Midlands, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Established in 1867, the firm combines its long-standing legal heritage with a modern and forward-thinking approach, with over 140 staff, including more than 70 solicitors.

The Role

The role will involve managing a varied criminal defence caseload, providing high-quality legal advice and representation while working under the supervision of the Head of the Criminal Department.

The successful candidate will have conduct of their own matters on behalf of clients, with appropriate support and supervision. The role will cover a wide range of criminal defence cases, including police station matters, Magistrates Court proceedings and Crown Court cases.

The role is primarily based in Dudley, with hybrid working available. Junior candidates may benefit from spending more time in the office during onboarding to receive the support and training required.

The role will also involve out-of-hours work, including evening and weekend attendance when on the shared police station rota. Travel to courts across the West Midlands will be required, with mileage and travel expenses covered.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage client matters efficiently and professionally, ensuring all documentation is completed in accordance with company procedures and quality standards
• Maintain accurate, organised and up-to-date client files, ensuring regular file reviews are undertaken
• Safeguard the confidentiality and security of all client and company information in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Keep clients informed of progress on their cases and provide timely updates throughout the matter lifecycle
• Deliver a professional, courteous and client-focused service at all times
• Issue Client Care documentation and associated compliance documents promptly and accurately
• Maintain regular and proactive communication with clients in accordance with Lexcel and firm standards
• Deal with client enquiries effectively and efficiently and ensure complaints are handled professionally and in accordance with company procedures
• Maintain clear and precise communication with other members of staff
• Support, develop and mentor trainee solicitors and support staff within the team
• Ensure the quality of work produced by support staff is of a high standard
• Understand obligations relating to client accounts and ensure the preparation and service of bills comply with the Solicitors Accounts Rules and firm rules
• Record time accurately on all matters in accordance with departmental requirements
• Adhere to SRA Standards and Regulations, professional conduct requirements and all company policies and procedures
• Take positive steps to market the services of the company and department
• Maintain good working relationships with external institutions and organisations while following the correct code of professional conduct
• Attend and contribute positively to departmental, practice group and firm-wide meetings
• Undertake training as required and agreed as part of the annual appraisal process

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor
• Experience in criminal law
• Ability to manage an individual caseload with appropriate support and supervision
• Ability to deal with police station matters, Magistrates Court proceedings and Crown Court cases
• Commitment to providing high-quality legal advice and representation
• Strong client care and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Willingness to undertake out-of-hours work when required as part of the police station rota
• Willingness to travel to courts across the West Midlands
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training

Desirable

• 3 years plus PQE
• Criminal defence and Legal Aid experience
• Duty Solicitor status
• Police Station Accreditation (PSRAS)
• Working towards Duty Solicitor status and/or Police Station Accreditation
• Relevant transferable criminal law experience

Whats In It For You

• £30,000–£55,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Annual bonus based on achieving the billing target for the year, with 20% of anything billed and paid over the target
• Team bonus, with an additional 5 days holiday awarded in the following holiday year if achieved
• 23 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Christmas closure
• Birthday off
• Health Shield cash plan
• 2 volunteering days
• Long service holiday award
• Hybrid working
• Mileage and travel expenses covered
• Support for professional development, training and maintaining or obtaining relevant accreditations

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