Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (legal aid)

An exciting new opportunity has arisen within our Family Department for a Solicitor/Chartered Legal Executive to focus on private family legal aid matters, on a full or part time basis.

You will be responsible for managing a caseload of solely private law legal aid matters including children matters, financial issues arising following divorce / separation, and domestic violence instructions.

Our legal aid practice is highly valued and respected both within and outside of the firm. It is envisaged that the individual who takes on this role will be able to build a caseload swiftly given the volume of enquiries the firm receives for individuals who would qualify for legal aid. You will have a passion for legally aided work and be driven by a genuine belief in the concept of access to justice for the vulnerable people and families across the region.

The ideal candidate will have direct experience of legally aided work and be able to demonstrate that you know the legal aid system and its processes and procedures.

If you apply direct and successfully pass your probation period, you will receive a one-off bonus of £500.

• Manage a caseload of Private law legal aid matters
• Advocacy and attendance at Court
• Monitor own caseload including progression, compliance and billing
• Ensure efficient and accurate applications for and maintenance of Legal Aid Certificates
• Efficient time recording and assisting with preparation of bills
• Maintenance of files and preparation of full attendance notes
• Liaise with the Legal Aid Agency and Alsters Kelley Costs Department to ensure timely submissions of POA's and final bills
• Undertake work in accordance with the requirements of the Firm's Manual
• Achieve agreed targets and review of key performance indicators
• Promote the department and self within the legal community and with existing and prospective clients and stakeholders
• Fulfil the SRA requirements regarding professional development as required in line with the Firms Strategy
• Attend Family department meetings and firm wide meetings
• Undertake any reasonable instructions given by management within the limits of this employment description
• 1 year PQE within a similar role.
• Demonstrable experience of running a Private Law Legal Aid caseload including, children, finance matters and domestic violence, including injunctions.
• A friendly, flexible and personable approach in the role
• Ability to work on own initiative and with minimal supervision
• Ability to undertake work in accordance with requirements of the Firm's Manual
• Experience of business development and marketing within a law firm
• Good use of case management systems and proficient in IT
• Experience of requirements of Lexcel and Legal Aid Agency
• A full UK driving licence as travel between our offices will be required