Job Description:
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. In 2021 we were celebrated by the Chambers Europe Award as an ‘outstanding firm’ for diversity and inclusion.
We look to recruit dedicated and talented employees in both legal and non-legal capacities. If you can demonstrate a strong commitment to the areas of law provided by the firm, and you are keen to build a career with us, please submit your details and CV.
Child Care Department:
Our highly specialised Child Care Department is ranked and recommended by The Legal 500 UK and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories for its expertise in all aspects of child care law.
The key aspect of our work is assisting guardians to represent a child and representing parents. We act for children, parents and family members to provide expert advice to adopted parents and the birth parents who are considering adoption. The department also advises same-sex couples on child care matters.
Main Responsibilities of the Role
* Report directly to Department Director
* Responsible for all aspects of Child Care work including providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members
* Manage and supervise Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors and Caseworkers
* Assist with delivery of appropriate training and development in the department
* Deal with a range of public and private children cases including child abduction, child protection issues, special guardianship and adoption matters as well as undertaking your own advocacy
* Professional pro-active approach with strong client care skills
Key Skills Required:
* Must have a clean, valid Practising Certificate at the time of applying
* Registered with the Law Society and Children Panel Membership is desirable
* Strong management skills
* Committed team player with ability to foster a culture of positive change
* Previous proven supervisory experience
* Excellent client care skills and ability to deal with vulnerable clients
* Excellent networking and communication skills
* Working knowledge of publicly funded Child Care work
* Extensive experience in dealing with all Child Care work related work and some expertise on adoption matters
* Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications
What we offer
* Competitive salary
* A fantastic supportive team
* Excellent progression opportunities
* Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition
Law Society Children/Family Accreditation/Resolution:
The Company will support your career progression if you decide to pursue Children, Family or Family Advanced Panel accreditation with the Law Society or Resolution.
Children/Family Law Accreditation Salary:
* £48,000 in London and within the M25.
* £46,000 outside London.
The recruitment process will 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. We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post.
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