Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd):
Regulated by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas - "a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients". A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos.
Choosing a career with Duncan Lewis is choosing a law firm that is the largest provider of publicly funded (legal aid) legal services in the country and has a growing private client practice. We have been Investors in People Gold Standard accredited for over 15 years and are continuously applauded nationally for the work that we do.
Having demonstrated unparalleled legal expertise and a commitment to justice, we were awarded Law Firm of the Year at both the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards. We are named as one of the Times 200 Best Law Firms.
We look to recruit dedicated and talented employees in both legal and non-legal capacities, and we are always interested to receive applications from quality candidates. Training and diversity are at the heart of Duncan Lewis, and we remain proud of our diverse and inclusive workforce.
Public Law Department Background:
Our Public Law team is applauded by the Legal 500 UK directory has a "dynamic team", who are "exceptional in ability and reach".
Ranked and recommended for its excellence in Public Law UK-wide, the department undertakes both publicly (legal aid) and privately funded work and has experience in all aspects of civil liberties and judicial review claimant matters against the Home Office, HMRC, local authority, NHS including obtaining emergency orders and other interim relief to prevent human rights violations. The department regularly follow up judicial reviews with actions for damages in both the County and High Courts and successfully pursue matters to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The firm's flagship judicial review claimant practice sees it represent clients including the vulnerable and marginalised, and its immigration offering is strengthened by collaboration with its expanding international presence challenging UK government practices abroad. As a large and well-established firm, we are well known to the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), the Courts, and the Government Legal Department (GLD).
The quality of our work is repeatedly demonstrated by our high success rates. Our lawyers are award winning and many of our cases, which are recorded in the reported case journals, raise new and important issues, and create legal precedents for the future. We also collaborate with other firms on funding and case management issues, and have a close working relationship with a number of barristers' chambers with relevant expertise in public law.
Main Responsibilities of the Role
- Report directly to Department Director
- Professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of clients' needs
- Assisting with casework including dealing with a range of Public Law matters (LAA Funded and Private client work)
- Attending clients, taking instructions and preparing cases
- Dealing with correspondence
- Preparing and managing funding applications to the Legal Aid Agency,
- Preparing draft documents including witness statements and processing evidence
- Preparing applications (incl drafting application forms, index of documents and letters of representations)
- Attending conferences and court
- Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
- Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly file reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
- Ensuring compliance with file management.
Key Skills Required
- Law Society Immigration Accreditation & Supervisor NOT necessary but desirable
- Demonstrate passion and experience in a broad range of LAA funded Public Law
- A strong academic background with a Law degree
- Legal experience as an Public Law Paralegal/Advisor
- Clear understanding and application of Public Law
- Business acumen and the ability to market the Company
- Excellent communications skills to work effectively with all types of people
- Excellent analytical and organisational skills and ability to use own initiative but know when to seek guidance
- Committed team player, self -motivated and professional
- Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills
What we offer
- Competitive salary
- A fantastic supportive team
- Excellent progression opportunities
- Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition
The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.
Equal Opportunities:
Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce.
We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post. Please provide additional details in your covering letter if this applies.
If you are interested in applying for this vacancy, you can also visit our website and apply using our online process.