Assistant Solicitor | Bristol | Full-Time | Competitive Salary
Assistant Solicitor
A Bristol based well-established and well-known regional, niche practice is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and personable Qualified Solicitor to its experienced, skilled, well established and respected Criminal Defence Team.
The firm has a long history of dealing with every area of criminal law. This includes high profile cases, serious crime as well as general Court work.
This is an excellent opportunity as they have embraced hybrid working and will continue to operate in this capacity on a flexible basis.
What they prefer:
A solicitor/ advocate who is duty solicitor accredited. However, they would accept applications from newly qualified solicitors who are keen to develop their professional skills within the area of criminal defence. They can offer membership of a cohesive, experienced and supportive Team with many years of specialist local legal knowledge, and whose members are well regarded within the Courts and others within the Criminal Justice System.
Overall objectives:
- To assist Tony Miles and the team in the development and day to day work of the Criminal Defence Team
- To be involved in all stages of preparation of cases, both for Magistrates' Court and Crown Court.
- To provide advice to clients in police custody and when interviewed by other investigative bodies, and to take a full share in the out-of-hours call-out system for attendance at police stations
- To appear as an Advocate in Magistrates' Court and such other Courts or Tribunals as are appropriate to the Team
- To act as Duty Solicitor when qualified as such
- To promote the good name of the firm and to build up the Criminal Practice.
Detailed Duties/Tasks/Responsibilities
- As a member of a team, to engage in the preparation of criminal cases from arrest to final disposal.
- To advise clients in all aspects of criminal law and to provide advice to clients in police custody and when being interviewed by other investigative bodies.
- To take a full share in the internal call-out rota for police station work and to respond to out-of-hours calls in accordance with the guidance issued both internally and as required by the LAA contract.
- To advise suspects in police custody, and to be present at interviews and other police station enquiries.
- To be on the Court and Police Station Duty Solicitor Schemes as appropriate to geographical area of the practice and qualification period within the terms of the regulations
- To engage in the consideration of evidence in relation to defendants and advise them on fact and law.
- To appear as an Advocate and to exercise advocacy skills within such courts and tribunals as are appropriate to the Criminal Team and to conduct such advocacy in accordance with the rules and professional ethics and integrity as is consistent with a solicitor of the Supreme Court.
- In practising as an Advocate, to do so as a member of a team, working together to cover all Courts on an agreed basis.
- To keep the client fully informed of the state of the case in accordance with good practice and the internal procedures shown in the Office Manual
- To co-operate fully in the office systems as detailed in the Office Manual for administration, client care, quality and billing.
Required Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Qualified Solicitor with a current Practising Certificate
- An enthusiastic approach to working as part of a team in the provision of a quality service
- A full understanding of the criminal law and procedure.
- An ability to communicate clearly at all levels.
- Interviewing skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Aptitude for advocacy and a willingness to learn and develop advocacy skills
- Ability to work as a member of a team in a supportive and collaborative style
- The ability to use effectively the office equipment which is immediately applicable to the job
- The ability to understand and comply with all office procedures, including the LAA contract and the requirements of LEXCEL and methods as set out in the Office Manual.
Vacancy Information:
- Location: Bristol
- Salary Range: Competitive Salary DOE
- Job type: Permanent
- Job Sector: Legal
- Working Hours: Full time
Assistant Solicitor, Qualified Solicitor, Newly Qualified, Duty Solicitor, Criminal Defence, Permanent, Bristol