Vacancy: Care Proceedings Fee Earners

Job Title: Solicitor/Legal Executive
Job Family: Fee Earner
Reporting to: Members of the Senior ‘Management Team/Practice Manager
Job Purpose: To undertake all aspects of family and children law work which you are competent to conduct having due regard to the regulations, policies and procedures that apply to the business and you as an employee.

Responsibilities

Duties include but not limited to the following, for new and existing clients

• Obtaining instructions and advising on course(s) of action, anticipated length, and funding position of the of the case
• Assessment of client’s financial means and explanation of Public Funding where required
• Representation of Client at court through the life of the case
• Covering court hearings for colleagues when required
• Instructing counsel, experts, solicitor advocates or other third-parties
• Drafting correspondence to client, court, solicitors counsel and other third-parties, including Statements, Notices, Applications, and other Legal Forms/Documents
• Obtaining and reviewing evidence and statements
• Negotiating on client’s behalf with other parties
• Ensuring efficient day-to-day progress of all matters, prioritising work as necessary and keeping the client informed on progress.
• Utilising the firms Case Management System to efficiently maintain complete files and pleadings
• Ensuring effective time recording
• Managing correspondence and telephone queries through the Triage Electronic system
• Maintaining an effective diary system – court dates, limitation dates and timetables set by court/tribunals
• Compliance with the firm’s policies and procedures
• Supervising the Administration, Paralegal and Trainee resource as required when working on your cases
• To ensure that all work carried out meets or exceeds the requirements of the LAA’s Standard Contract, the SRA Code of Conduct and meets the Specialist Quality Mark standards

Person Specification

Skills, Knowledge & Experience (essential unless stated)

Skills (essential)

• Strong Guardian following
• 5-10 years Care Proceedings Experience
• Written and oral communication
• Negotiation skills
• Advocacy
• Full driving license and use of own vehicle

Knowledge

• Family and Children Law
• Legal Aid funding
• Legal Aid Supervisor (Desirable)
• Children’s Panel Accreditation

Experience

• 5 years PQE
• Experience of working on behalf of Local Authorities (Desirable)