Solicitor

Reports to:

The Solicitor will report to the Partner.

Department:
Immigration

Job Overview: The Solicitor will be responsible for dealing with delegated work within their own areas of competence and achieving performance targets as set by the practice. The Solicitor will provide expert legal support and advice to clients. Also, he/she will be responsible for offering support to other Head of Departments, Partner, Managing Officer and/or Directors. He/she will be responsible for dealing with their own caseload and dealing with clients. Furthermore, he/she will be expected to supervise and educate fee earners as they work on their individual caseloads, and positively promote quality of service to clients, raising the quality level and creating new business for the practice whenever possible.

Purpose/Main Objectives: To support all practice decisions, carrying out any actions required. To provide any support required by the Head of Departments, Partner, Managing Officer, Directors, and fee earners. To act on behalf of Head of Departments as required. To be alert when acting for clients of other legal services they may require and to refer clients to other departments within the firm when it is appropriate.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Deal with delegated cases as required, reporting progress to the Head of Department, Partner, Managing Officer and/or Directors; act on behalf of clients in disputes and represent them in court,
• Deal with all aspects of immigration litigation, review all files, work on all aspects of the cases
• Prepare for hearings, appeal hearings, judicial review hearings, prepare for the judicial review hearings, prepare all aspects of cases, issue proceedings, and all aspects of the trial (if applicable), this list is not exhaustive
• Liaise with clients and other professionals such as barristers in a prompt and professional manner; coordinate the work of all parties involved; instruct barristers or specialist advocates to appear in court for the client in a complex dispute
• Advice and negotiate with clients and other professionals to secure agreed objectives
• Research and analyse documents and case law to ensure the accuracy of advice and procedure
• Always act in a trustworthy and confidential manner; have integrity and sensitivity
• Ensure quality of service levels are to standard
• Follow internal methods, policies, and procedures as set by the Office Manual
• Remain informed of changes in any area of specialisation, such that service quality is always maintained. Carry out file reviews as appropriate
• Preparing Briefs to Counsel; Dealing with correspondence, adhere to accurate and comprehensive file management and maintenance practices of caseload according to company policy and procedures
• Maintenance of diaries & time recording
• Work as part of a team and give concise and reasonable instructions
• Conduct legal research and gathering relevant information on a This includes researching the facts of the case as well as identifying the appropriate laws, judicial decisions, and legal articles relevant to the case
• Draft legal documents, prepare applications, application for administrative reviews
• Taking statements from witnesses and other parties; interviewing clients and passing on relevant information
• Carry out other types of administrative duties such as billing, invoicing, time recording, compile litigation bundles, dealing with correspondence, collect and organise evidence; calculate claims for damages, compensation, maintenance,
• Network with clients and build valuable relationships in a way that enhances the company’s reputation and cultivate new business opportunities
• Assist during trial by taking notes, preparing exhibits, preparing files, and reading court transcripts
• Responsible for reporting progress to the Head of Department
• Use the company’s case management system
• Any other hoc duties as directed by the Head of Department, Partner. Managing Officer and/or Directors

Relationships:

• Internal: Supportive to the Directors, Heads of Department, Partner, Managing Officer and colleagues
• External: Promoting the practice wherever possible through PR and quality of service

Skills & Qualifications:

Essential:

• Qualified Solicitor or In-house Counsel
• Previous experience of dealing with relevant department cases
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise, and understand the importance of deadlines
• Highly organised; able to be productive, flexible and simultaneously manage multiple cases and priorities in a performance driven environment
• Superior research skills and data maintenance skills
• Strong client relationship skills; the ability to establish positive, cooperative and professional relationships, both internal and external
• Be highly trustworthy, discreet, and use good judgement
• Able to work well under pressure, without sacrificing a high attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication are essential
• Good commercial awareness and analytical skills
• Self-starter and the ability to work autonomously; proactive and eager to learn
• Self-awareness and a commitment to using feedback to learn and develop as a professional
• Ability to read, digest and process vast amounts of information into data that can be used in a legal case
• Computer Literacy

Desirable:

• Own client following