Brodies LLP is a prominent UK law firm headquartered in Scotland, that provides expert advice to UK and international clients.
We have the capability and expertise to deliver mandates with global reach, uniting specialist perspectives from across our firm to offer bespoke legal solutions and advice, resulting in impactful outcomes for our clients.
With offices in London, Leeds, and throughout Scotland, we are dedicated to driving innovation in the legal sector, leveraging new technologies and forward-thinking strategies to deliver exceptional value and efficiency for our clients.
Our contract with our people underlines our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, prioritising the wellbeing and development of our colleagues to ensure they thrive both personally and professionally.
We are also deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities in which we live and work. Through our pro bono work, charitable activities, and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, we strive to contribute meaningfully to society.
JOB TITLE
Solicitor / Senior Solicitor / Associate (NQ – 5 PQE) – Dispute Resolution (Criminal Defence for Individual clients)
REPORTING TO
Neil Hay, Criminal Law Partner
JOB PURPOSE
We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced criminal lawyer (defence or prosecution) at Solicitor / Senior Solicitor or Associate level, to join our new Individual Crime team.
The successful applicant will provide criminal law advice and representation to professional, high-profile and HNW clients. Day to day work will include providing legal advice, preparing cases for trial, drafting legal arguments, and representing clients in courts. We deal with a wide range of criminal cases for clients, including domestic, road traffic, sexual and financial crime allegations. Experience of representing private clients is desirable.
The successful applicant will be expected to build and develop strong client relationships, and to help support the growth of the practice through both client work and co-ordinated business development activity.
CORE TASKS
- Creating, developing and analysing legal arguments.
- Developing close working relationships with clients, and assisting with ongoing management of these relationships
- Liaising effectively with clients in explaining and discussing complex legal issues
- Delivering exceptional client service at all times
- Identifying and recovering all relevant evidence and effectively analysing and evaluating that evidence
- Carrying out all preparations appropriate for court appearances, demonstrating research skills and the ability to construct and understand legal arguments
- Presenting effectively before courts at first appearances, case management hearings, and trials.
- Advising and representing clients at police interviews
- Instructing and working with counsel and/or Brodies’ solicitor advocates
- Actively contributing to the development of a team environment
- Supporting the development of the team’s internal and external profile including working with senior team members to grow the practice
Be aware of Brodies’ information security policies, and protect information assets from unauthorised access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference at all times.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Applicants should demonstrate experience in criminal law, and experience of representing clients in criminal trials
- Excellent attention to detail
- Adapts style of communication appropriately when dealing with clients
- Takes personal responsibility to keep legal knowledge up to date
- Shows understanding of client needs and tailors advice appropriately
- Demonstrates strong written and oral communication skills, particularly in explaining complex legal issues
- Demonstrates strong research skills
- Able to work with a degree of autonomy
- Able to manage own case load which will be varied and demanding
- Self-motivated and well organised
- Knowledge of Sheriff Court, High Court and Appeal Court procedure.
- Committed to keeping up to date on changes in law and developments in practice areas
- An interest in qualifying as a solicitor-advocate
SKILLS
- Self- motivated and driven
- Prepared, organised and able to prioritise
- Applied knowledge
- Commercial and profit focus
- Conduct and communication skills