Criminal Lawyer

Howden Saggers Lawyers; Ipswich City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Howden Saggers Lawyers in Ipswich is seeking a reliable criminal lawyer to join our close-knit team. The role involves managing your own file load across traffic, summary, and indictable matters, with opportunities to appear in court and instruct Counsel in higher matters.

You will be based in our Ipswich Office with mentoring from our Director and team of Lawyers, with opportunities for growth in salary and experience and a strong focus on client care.

Qualifications

• QLD Practicing certificate (or ability to obtain in short time)
• Blue Card required or ability to obtain
• Experience in criminal law is essential
• Ability to appear in court daily and in higher courts when needed
• Strong attention to detail and client care is expected

Responsibilities

• Independently manage your file load across traffic, summary and indictable matters
• Generate reliable client base through referrals and ensure timely communication
• Appear in various courts for mentions, bail applications, sentences and instruct Counsel
• Provide thorough legal research and prepare strong written submissions
• Work with clients throughout all stages of matters with a focus on client care
• Complete ad-hoc clerk/paralegal duties as needed

Skills

Court appearances

Mentions and bail applications

Client care

Independent motivation

Attention to detail

Education

QLD Practicing certificate

Blue Card

Job description

Howden Saggers Lawyers is a specialist criminal law firm with offices in Southport, Beenleigh and Ipswich.

We are looking to expand our team by adding a reliable and motivated criminal lawyer to join our close-knit team.

This position will be based in our Ipswich Office.

The position would suit a self motivated Solicitor, with a high attention to detail.

The successful applicant will be responsible for managing their own file load which may include a mix of traffic, summary and indictable matters, domestic violence applications, child protection litigation and Mental Health Review Tribunal matters, as well as provided some support by completing ad-hoc clerk duties.

Applicants would ideally have a demonstrated ability to appear on mentions, bail applications, sentences, and instructing Counsel in higher court matters.

Key attributes include the ability to:

• Be independently motivated and able to work without supervision;
• Have good attention to detail and a strong focus on client care;
• Be comfortable in Court and able to appear daily.

Willingness to participate in Duty Lawyer duties as required.

This position comes with the opportunity for growth, both in salary and experience, with mentoring from our Director and team of Lawyers.

Your Role:

• Independently managing your file load, including both Legally Aided and privately funded matters, ranging in seriousness from traffic matters to serious indictable offences;
• Generating a reliable, repeat client base through referral work;
• Attending various Courts in various jurisdictions, as required for mentions, trials, bail applications, sentences and to instruct Counsel on higher court matters and to provide duty lawyer services;
• Working closely with clients throughout all stages of their matters with a strong focus on client care;
• Liaising with your clients, including taking instructions, maintaining communication and providing advice throughout the course of their matters;
• Providing legal advice and professional legal services in an accurate and timely way to achieve the best outcome for your client;
• Conducting thorough legal research, with the ability to produce strong written work, including outlines, submissions for negotiation with the Prosecution, etc; and
• Completing some ad-hoc clerk/paralegal duties, such as compiling briefs, completing Legal Aid Queensland expensive case submissions, etc

Requirements:

• QLD Practicing certificate (or ability to obtain such in a short space of time);
• QLD drivers licence and access to a vehicle for regional Court attendances;
• Blue Card (or ability to obtain one);
• Experience working at a criminal law firm or prior clerking experience is highly regarded;
• Be independently motivated and reliable with a strong sense of professional responsibility;
• Current duty lawyer accreditation would be a significant advantage, however, is not essential. You will, however, be required to attain your accreditation as soon as possible;
• Salary package commensurate with experience.