Energetic Children Law Solicitor required.

1. RESPONSIBLITIES
• To provide clear and comprehensive advice to clients and to progress their case smoothly to conclusion
• To ensure that the conduct of client files is in accordance with all internal, professional conduct and accounts’ rules and obligations
• To ensure conduct of the files is in accordance with the requirement of the Legal Aid Agency
• To provide support and assistance to colleagues by assisting them with overflow work and to maintain support during holidays and periods of absence, primarily by agreement with colleagues and, if requested, by the Partners.

2. PRINCIPLE DUTIES
• Attend to instructions from clients, advise and prepare cases as required for court
• To prepare evidence for court, to oversee administrative staff to ensure documentation is correctly filed and served and case management requirements directed by the court are complied with
• To undertake advocacy as required
• To promptly respond to client communications and conduct all communications with solicitors instructed by other parties and with all other third parties relating to the matter
• To comply with the firm’s regulatory requirements and procedures
• To comply with the requirements of the Legal Aid Agency in accordance with the firm’s Legal Aid contract
• To maintain training record in accordance with requirements of the SRA/Law Society and to undertake appropriate professional training
• To uphold the highest standards of work and professional conduct
• To ensure that paper and electronic files are up-to-date and accurate
• To ensure that all client files, trial bundles and other documents are well organised and displayed and comply with all internal and external procedures and requirements
• To comply with all statutory requirements where necessary
• To prioritise work to meet deadlines agreed with the client or any other party involved with the matter
• To ensure that all information used in managing the files and storing documentation relating to the case are accurately recorded
• To maintain accurate billing records by recording time appropriately and to promptly and regularly bill clients for work conducted
• To keep an active watch on WIP levels
• To chase aged bills conscientiously
• To meet time recording, billing and other performance targets
• To maintain the confidentiality and security of all personal data in the possession of the firm and to ensure that such data is processed fairly and lawfully in accordance with relevant data protection requirements and principles
• To identify, evaluate, monitor and report on risks arising in accordance with the firm’s money laundering and compliance requirements
• To work in accordance with the firm’s Equal Opportunities’ policies
• To cover for other members of the department in times of absence and to assist the Partners in other duties as may be required at the discretion of the Partnership.
• Diary management
• Business development

3. PERSON SPECIFICATION
• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Relevant professional qualification – Solicitor or Barrister preferably or FILEX – preferably has studied Family Law and/or Children Law as part of formal training
• Has experience specialising in Children Law and, in particular, has prepared cases and presented before the court
• Confident and enthusiastic to undertake own advocacy
• Children Panel member or aspiration to become panel member
• Team player, good presentation and delivery, articulate, intuitive, intelligent and creative
• Able to communicate effectively and sensitively with distressed and challenged client base
• Able to effectively communicate with lay clients and professionals in writing, by telephone or face-to-face
• Able to work clearly and accurately and under pressure.
• To prioritise workload
• Access to a vehicle for work purposes
• Prepared to work outside office hours if required/necessary