Solicitor Advocate

About the Role:

The main purpose of the position will be to prepare private prosecutions under the 1990 Environmental Protection Act in Magistrates Courts. Applications are invited from candidates able to cover the Midlands. Monthly travel to our Manchester office will be necessary for team and personal development.

The prosecutions generally relate to infestations of rodents or other such creatures as well as category 1 hazards such as mould and damp.

This role will involve file handling and advocacy for hearings within the Midlands Magistrates Circuit.

The successful candidate will deal with all practical and procedural steps required in the action which will include, considering new complaint details, arranging for the delivery of the Notice of Prosecution, arranging an inspection of the complainant’s property by a qualified environmental health officer and then considering the report, drafting the summons, information and supporting evidence to be lodged at court with a request for a hearing date.

After the issue of the summons, the post holder will arrange for service of the summons upon the Defendant, will attend the plea hearing, provide the Court with suggested directions, complete the Preparation for Effective Trial Form and where necessary try the matter.

Equipment will be provided to allow home working.

Key tasks (not an exhaustive list)

• To manage Statutory Nuisance prosecutions under the 1990 Environmental Protection Act
• To appear in the Magistrates Court on behalf of our instructing clients.

Personal Skills

• A qualified Solicitor or Barrister with Magistrates Court advocacy experience and with a working knowledge of the Criminal Procedure Rules
• An excellent communicator
• Confident, dynamic and with a desire to succeed
• IT literate

Experience

• At least 2 years PQE and have 2 years’ experience of advocacy ideally in the Magistrates Court.
• Case Management Systems (Proclaim is used) experience would be advantageous but not essential

Package

• Competitive basic salary based upon experience
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays plus birthday
• 6% contributory pension
• Remote working

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Cycle to work scheme
• Sick pay

Work from home