Childrens Law Solicitor

Established in 2008, this boutique Solicitors are a friendly small professional law firm, who are passionate about supporting their local community.

Their experienced team of solicitors and caseworkers guide each client through the legal framework touching on each client’s matter, always working diligently to achieve the best outcome for their clients at a reasonable cost. They have vast experience in public funded work and have been franchised since inception, by the Legal Aid Agency.

They are proud of their heritage and continue to uphold the principles behind their success. Family and Child Law is a fundamental aspect of the firm and due to this, they are seeking an Accredited Childrens Law Solicitor.

SOLICITOR ROLE / RESPONSIBILITIES

You will act as our Supervisor. In respect of this, you will:

• Fulfil our contract requirements in family department
• You will oversee the work of caseworkers, paralegals and trainees in the family department ensuring various LAA criteria are adhered to, conduct file reviews on our family law files once a month and complete the necessary paperwork in relation to these;
• Manage all client work in accordance with detailed procedures and quality standards contained in the practice’s office manual.
• Ensure that all client work is progressed expeditiously and that the client is kept regularly informed on progress and on costs.
• Exercise high standards of client care in a professional and pleasant manner at all times.
• Ensure the confidentiality and security of all documentation and information of the practice and clients.
• Achieve agreed levels of billing and time recording.
• Meet LAA requirements with regards to costs limitations on cases and make extension application where appropriate.
• Ensure fees paid by private clients are used appropriately and in the best interest of the client.
• In conjunction with the practice, comply with the relevant training requirements of the SRA/LAA and assist with in-house training as may be required.
• In liaison with the Principal Solicitor, to be active in promoting the services of the practice and its image and ethos.

SPECIFICS

• Undertake casework and keep records in accordance with funding targets and requirements under the LAA contract and the Law Society’s requirements.
• Undertake both private and public funded cases
• Hold and take full responsibility for a varied caseload including High Court cases and achieve the fee earning target of 3.5
• Instruct and brief counsel as appropriate, including attendance at hearings and conferences with counsel.
• You will amend our standard letters for the various stages of Family Law casework and standard file forms, including Initial Family law questionnaire in line with changes in law and guidance
• Undertake legal research.
• Review and keep up to date with legal developments, judgments and practice.
• Review and respond to current and proposed legislation and policy.
• Liaise and develop referral systems with current and potential client groups and organisations.
• Identify significant issues and problem areas for change in policy, practice or legislation.
• Ensure that family law and community care law casework is conducted to the highest professional standard.
• Carry out such administrative tasks as are necessary to run a caseload efficiently. This includes the legal aid billing, opening, closing and billing of files, lodging of court documents, inputting date on the case management system, note taking at case and team meetings.
• Record chargeable time and bill at levels determined by the firm
• To maintain library and information resources.
• To keep records of all meetings, training courses and policy related work undertaken by the legal team.