JOB OVERVIEW

Reeds Solicitors LLP are a successful and established legal practice, and we pride ourselves on excellence. We are looking for a proactive and experienced Duty Solicitor to join our busy central area (covering Oxford and Reading) who has the ability to manage their own caseload and be part of supportive team.
Our expectation is that the successful candidate will participate on the out of hours Police Station rota as well as the Magistrates Court Duty Scheme. We will consider candidates who are qualified Criminal Solicitors who will commit to undertaking their magistrates court qualification within the first 12 months of employment.
Solicitors would have the opportunity to develop skills and assist with Crown Court Litigation and Private Magistrates Court work. Within these roles there is significant opportunity to progress within and between departments, a chance to secure work related bonuses and internal training.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Must hold Duty Solicitor Status or be willing to undertake the Magistrates Court Qualification within the first 12 months of employment if they don’t have a Duty Solicitor Qualification.
• Must hold Police Station Accreditation
• Highly dynamic with the drive to generate work for the firm.
• Self-motivated and commercially minded, as well as having good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be proactive in seeking to manage and progress files and apply a consistent attention to detail.
• The ability to work within a high pressure, high workload environments.
• Excellent understanding of client care requirements and a commitment to Criminal Law.
• Be self-confident, proactive and able to develop good working relationship with third parties including court staff, counsel and the Crown Prosecution Service.
• Excellent time management and organisation skills.
• Resilient with the ability to cope with everchanging priorities.
• A flexible approach and willingness to help, across all teams and departments, with a “can do” attitude.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office package and the ability to learn and efficiently use both practice and case management software.

DUTIES

• Provide expert legal advice to clients on a wide range of issues, including contracts, property law, and family law.
• Negotiate terms and conditions on behalf of clients to achieve favourable outcomes.
• Draft and review legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and court filings.
• Represent clients in negotiations, mediations, and court proceedings as necessary.
• Conduct thorough research to support case preparation and legal arguments.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal developments and changes in legislation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring their needs are met with professionalism and care.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meeting and interviewing clients to give advice on the relevant law in criminal allegations and take their instructions.
• Manage their own case load, often taking cases from the police station all the way to trial.
• Draft applications, documents and letters that may arise during the course of a criminal case.
• Preparing client’s proof of evidence and replies to prosecution witness statements.
• Representing clients in court.
• Instructing barristers or specialist advocates to appear in the Crown Court.
• Attending at the police station to advise clients where necessary.
• Travel across the area and the wider business to represent clients in Court.
• Working in a team, sometimes referring cases to the head of department.
• Supervising and delegating work to trainee solicitors, paralegals and legal secretaries as appropriate.
• Any other duties as directed by the Team Leader or a member of the Management Team.