QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

To be successful in this role, my client is seeking the following qualifications, skills, and attributes:

QUALIFICATIONS

• A good honours degree followed by LPC, training contract, and PSC; or a good honours degree followed by SQE and qualifying work experience; or a good honours degree with CILEX to Fellow level, LPC, and PSC; and admitted by SRA as a solicitor.

ESSENTIAL PERSONAL QUALITIES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates a very high level of technical competence in the chosen area of law, with minimal supervision required
• Has the confidence of all Partners and colleagues in the handling of referred work, including quality of advice, service levels, promptness, and fee structure
• Achieves or exceeds targets for chargeable hours, fees, recovery rates, lock-up, and non-chargeable time, and is working towards achieving targets for a Senior Associate or Managing Associate
• Successfully established, developed, and maintained a client/referrer base in alignment with the firm’s values
• Demonstrates an understanding of the business of the firm beyond the individual’s team/department
• Willingness and aptitude to assist outside of one’s own practice area and participate in management, marketing, and practice development activities
• Strong management skills, including the ability to supervise junior staff and delegate work effectively
• Initiative in practice development and business growth
• Consistent and clear advocacy of the firm and its values, both internally and externally
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and social skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and as part of a team
• A high level of commercial awareness and sound financial management
• Strong IT skills and an ability to use office management systems effectively
• Enthusiasm and commitment to ongoing professional development
• In-depth understanding of professional conduct, client care, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and relations with third parties and other solicitors

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of Practice Evolve or other office management systems
• Strong online research skills

PURPOSE OF THE DEPARTMENT

The department’s focus is on providing outstanding client service, offering expert and clear advice, and assisting with residential property matters. This service is delivered professionally and with engagement to achieve high levels of client satisfaction. The team works collaboratively at all levels to foster a supportive and proactive environment in order to achieve this.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The role involves undertaking fee-earning work, contributing to the department’s profitability, and meeting key performance indicators (KPI) targets. The successful candidate will handle all aspects of residential property work, either managing delegated matters from Partners or developing their own caseload based on experience and ability. Additionally, the role will require effective collaboration with other departments to support the firm’s overall growth in line with its business plan.

KEY TASKS, DUTIES, AND QUALITY STANDARDS

• Assist the department as a whole in meeting its fee-earning targets by providing help with advice and assistance to clients of the department as well as other departments of the firm
• Conduct matters on behalf of clients
• Maintain and develop your own client/referrer base and practice/following in a manner consistent with the firm’s values
• Demonstrate an understanding of the business of the firm, particularly beyond the department or team in which you work
• Consistently demonstrate willingness and aptitude to help those outside of your own practice area and participate in management, marketing, and practice development activities at the firm, department, and office level
• Where appropriate, demonstrate good management skills in supervising junior staff and delegating work
• Show initiative in practice development
• Always go the extra mile for colleagues, the firm, and its clients
• Demonstrate a high level of commercial awareness
• Maintain financial control with particular attention to cash-flow management, including the collection of monies on account and billing procedures
• Assist during the absence of other fee earners
• Work outside of normal hours when the work requires it
• Travel to client meetings both within and outside of the UK when required
• Assist with formulating and advancing internal procedures
• Promote good file management practices
• Maintain professional knowledge base, including attainment of annual CPD points
• Ensure compliance with regulatory procedures
• Undertake other duties as required and agreed upon