Solicitor -Barrister

Our Public Sector team is one of the largest in the UK, with extensive experience working with local authorities, local authority consortia, police forces, fire authorities and NHS Trusts. Our lawyers have hands–on experience of working in local government and the public sector. Our approach is focused on solving our client's legal problems as quickly, efficiently and cost–effectively as possible. We are brand leaders in defendant litigation services for local and public authorities, with in–depth expertise in all types of claims including motor, public liability and employers' liability. We have considerable experience in handling sensitive and/or high profile claims, such as bullying, failure to educate and abuse, and are equally skilled in handling the media attention that these cases sometimes attract. Our specialist practitioners act exclusively for the police service, representing a diverse range of forces across England and Wales. As the largest dedicated police legal team in the country our lawyers have been involved in some of the most high profile and significant cases involving the police service over the last 15 years.

We are currently recruiting for a Solicitor or Associate to join our National Police team. In particular, we are looking for lawyers to undertakes cases heard in Courts across Suffolk and Essex.

• To advise, prepare and present cases in the Magistrates Court including Domestic Violence Protection Orders, Stalking Protection Orders, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, Sexual Risk Orders, Anti–Social Behaviour injunctions and closure orders.
• To effectively manage family disclosure and Police Property Act cases.
• You will be responsible for the running of the day to day of your cases including liaising with clients, opponents, court and witnesses.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Specialise in acting on behalf of various police forces, protecting their interests
• Manage a caseload of civil applications in the Magistrates' and County courts including, but not limited to, domestic Violence Protection Orders, Stalking Protection Orders, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, Sexual Risk Orders, Anti–Social Behaviour injunctions and closure orders
• Represent police forces and advocate in disclosure applications to the Family court
• Present cases in the Magistrates' and County courts
• Provide face to face training to groups of police officers
• Assist the TM and other team members with their cases, client development, client training, networking and potentially public speaking where required
• Liaise with various parties such as other solicitors, insurers, experts, counsel and clients
• Control Case Manager diary and action lists
• Attend at court hearings as appropriate
• Draft various documents including court applications
• Satisfy standards of client care and compliance with SLAs in accordance with guidelines and directions
• Complete Client MI procedures
• Achieve set financial and chargeable targets
• Comply with relevant rules, policies and procedures
• Keep up to date with legal developments
• Work in accordance with Weightmans values

This list is not intended to be exhaustive and you will be expected to perform other duties and have other responsibilities that fall within the wider remit of the role.

You will be a qualified solicitor or barrister with the following skills and experience:

• Experience of drafting and presenting cases in Court
• Strong advocacy skills or a willingness to learn and undertake this work
• Self–motivated & self–directed
• Excellent organisation skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent IT skills
• Ability to work to strict deadlines and targets
• Ability to work as part of a team or on own initiative
• Willingness to learn new areas of law
• Flexible approach to work and a willingness to travel
• Experience of advocacy in the Magistrates Court (desirable)
• Experience of advising and acting on behalf of police forces (desirable)
• Inquest experience (desirable)
• Judicial Review experience (desirable)

If you meet our criteria and think this is a job where you could bring enthusiasm and commitment, then we look forward to receiving your application.

Any reference to experience or PQE in our adverts or job descriptions is to be used as a guideline only. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and with different levels of experience who can demonstrate that they fulfil the requirements of the role.

Weightmans is a Top 45 law firm with offices throughout the UK. Having been recognised as the leading legal employer at the annual Britain's Top Employers awards 2021 and achieved record rankings in Chambers UK.

The independent research showed "Weightmans provides exceptional employee conditions, nurtures and develops talent throughout all levels of the organisation."

We are truly committed to fostering a culture of equality and diversity, where everyone in the firm is respected and recognised on merit for the work that they do.

We strongly encourage applications from people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and disabilities. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustment at any stage of the application process.

Please feel free to note your preferred pronouns in your application.

Work for a firm where people matter – work for Weightmans.

As well as being immensely proud of the work we carry out for our clients and the culture we provide to our people we offer a wide range of benefits including;

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro–rated for part time)
• Agile / working from home including provision of home office equipment
• Healthcare cover/ Medicash
• Pension plan
• Life Insurance 4 x salary
• Interest free travel loan scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme including counselling, legal and consumer advice service
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounted dental scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Offers & discounts
• Great reward and recognition scheme