Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd):

Regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas - "a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients". A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos

Choosing a career with Duncan Lewis is choosing a law firm that is the largest provider of publicly funded (legal aid) legal services in the country and has a growing private client practice. We have been Investors in People Gold Standard accredited for over 15 years and are continuously applauded nationally for the work that we do.

Having demonstrated unparalleled legal expertise and a commitment to justice, we were awarded Law Firm of the Year at both the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards. We are named as one of the Times 200 Best Law Firms.

Crime Department Background:

Chambers and Partners rank our crime department for its reputation for well-prepared, high-quality work. Our case building excellence is based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system and the ability to assemble first-rate evidence and documentation.

A number of our solicitors are police station representatives and can offer free 24/7 representation at all police station interviews as well as at pre-charge investigations. In addition, the department has a number of Higher Courts Advocates providing representation for serious matters such as murder and rape. Our solicitors regularly represent clients at the Youth Court, Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal. Our crime department has been involved in many high profile and complex cases and understand the consequential impact of being involved in a criminal process can have working with clients to mitigate the effects.

The department’s specialism includes appealing sentences/ convictions via judicial review, representation at the Court of Appeal and assisting with applications for Criminal Cases Review Commission injustice reviews in the Court Martial and Service Civilian Court.

Main Responsibilities of the Role:

• Report directly to Department Director
• Responsible for all aspects of Crime work and on occasions, where appropriate providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members
• Ability to manage appropriate caseload types and complexities
• Attending clients, taking instructions and preparing cases
• Dealing with correspondence
• Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
• Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly file reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
• Ensuring compliance with file management
• Variety of duties including dealing with a full range of Criminal Defence cases both Private and Legal Aid clients and be able to manage complex and sensitive cases ranging from bail applications; serious fraud; white collar crime; murder; drug crime and theft; liaising with the CPS and courts; preparing statements and collating evidence
• Representing clients detained at the police station, conducting advocacy in the Magistrates Court, attending to clients both in and outside of office hours
• You will have a professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and be interested in Business Development and Marketing to supplement the substantial work volumes brought in by the company

Key Skills Required:

• Duty and Police Station Accredited
• Higher rights of advocacy qualification will be an advantage although not a necessity
• Must have a clean, valid Practising Certificate at the time of applying
• Committed team player and adapt well to new challenges
• Previous proven supervisory experience will be an advantage
• Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with client matters in a sensitive manner to deal with vulnerable clients and resolve complicated practicalities
• Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment
• Working knowledge of the publicly funded Crime work and have the ability to service privately funded cases
• Have extensive experience in handling a Criminal Defence caseload
• Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills

What we offer:

• A fantastic supportive team
• Excellent progression opportunities
• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition

The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.

Equal Opportunities:

Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce.

We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post. Please provide additional details in your covering letter if this applies.