Location: Derby Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience, plus overtime and mileage payments

Join Our Criminal Defence Team

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Criminal Defence Solicitor or CILEX Practitioner to join our busy and well-established Criminal Department based in Derby. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a highly regarded team providing representation and advice to clients across the East Midlands. Applications are welcomed from accredited Duty Solicitors, as well as experienced criminal practitioners who are actively working towards obtaining Duty Solicitor Accreditation and are looking to further develop their careers within a supportive and progressive environment. The successful candidate will possess strong advocacy skills, excellent client care standards and a commitment to delivering high-quality legal services.

The Role

You will undertake a varied caseload involving litigation and advocacy across all aspects of criminal defence practice, representing clients from the earliest stages of proceedings through to conclusion. Whilst the position is primarily based in Derby, our practice operates across the East Midlands and there may be occasional requirements to attend our other offices, Police Stations and Court Centres within the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing criminal cases from initial instruction through to conclusion.
• Providing advice and support to clients in person, by telephone and via video conferencing.
• Preparing case files, legal documents and applications.
• Attending the Magistrates' Court on a daily basis to represent clients in:
• First appearances and remand hearings
• Guilty and Not Guilty Anticipated Plea hearings
• Contested trials
• Sentencing hearings
• Providing Police Station advice and representation.
• Conducting litigation in Crown Court matters.
• Maintaining accurate records and compliance with internal procedures and quality standards.
• Participating in the out-of-hours rota, including Police Station attendances and Saturday/Bank Holiday Courts.

About You

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor holding a current Practising Certificate, or a suitably qualified CILEX Practitioner with the appropriate Advocacy Certificate.
• Experience practising criminal defence law and managing criminal cases.
• Strong advocacy and case preparation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide clear, practical and client-focused legal advice.
• Strong analytical, organisational and negotiation skills.
• Experience using a computerised Case Management System.
• Understanding of Criminal Legal Aid procedures and applications.
• Commitment to maintaining professional standards, client confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word and Excel.

Duty Solicitor Accreditation

Applications are welcomed from:

• Solicitors and CILEX Practitioners who currently hold CLAS Duty Solicitor Accreditation; and
• Criminal practitioners who are actively working towards Duty Solicitor Accreditation and can demonstrate the experience, ability and commitment required to achieve accreditation.

Desirable

• Current CLAS Duty Solicitor Accreditation.
• Working knowledge of SQM requirements and quality assurance procedures.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Support for Candidates Working Towards Duty Solicitor Accreditation

We recognise the importance of developing the next generation of Duty Solicitors and welcome applications from experienced criminal practitioners who are working towards accreditation. For the right candidate, we can offer:

• Support and mentoring from experienced Duty Solicitors.
• Exposure to a broad range of criminal defence work across Police Stations and Courts.
• Opportunities to develop advocacy, client care and case management skills.
• Structured supervision and guidance to assist with progression towards accreditation.
• Career development opportunities within an established and growing criminal defence department.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Overtime payments for out-of-hours work.
• Mileage allowance.
• Varied and interesting caseload.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• The opportunity to work with an experienced team committed to providing first-class criminal defence representation.

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process or interviews, please let us know in advance and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact our Practice Manager or Steve Ramsell, Department Manager. We look forward to hearing from you.

Paralegal  - Public Law & Community Care - Nottingham Bhatia Best Solicitors is a leading East Midlands law firm specialising in Criminal Defence, Family Law, Personal Injury, Public Law, and Community Care. We are seeking an ambitious and motivated Paralegal to join our busy and growing Public Law & Community Care Department based in Nottingham City Centre. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced paralegal looking to develop their legal career and work towards qualification through the SQE or a recognised period of training.   The Role Working alongside experienced solicitors and caseworkers, you will play a key role in supporting vulnerable clients and assisting with a varied caseload of public law and community care matters. Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the management and progression of public law and community care cases.
• Support senior caseworkers and solicitors with case preparation and file management.
• Undertake fee-earning work under appropriate supervision.
• Advise and assist clients where appropriate.
• Prepare legal documents, correspondence, and court bundles.
• Maintain accurate and compliant case records.
• Ensure compliance with the firm’s policies, procedures, and quality standards, including SQM requirements.
• Maintain the highest standards of client confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Build positive relationships with clients, external agencies, and professional contacts.
• Participate in training, professional development, and departmental initiatives.
• Support the development and mentoring of new team members where required.

About You We are looking for someone who is:

• Confident, professional, and client-focused.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Able to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• An excellent communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
• Passionate about public law and community care work.
• Committed to delivering exceptional client service.
• Commercially aware and able to contribute to the efficient running of the department.

Essential Requirements

• Law degree (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification.
• Completion of, or working towards, the LPC or SQE qualification.
• Previous experience working within a law firm or legal environment.
• Understanding of legal procedures, court protocols, and professional conduct obligations.
• Knowledge of client confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience dealing directly with clients and members of the public.

Desirable

• Previous experience in Public Law, Community Care, Human Rights, or related areas.
• Experience managing your own caseload under supervision.
• Familiarity with Legal Aid procedures and funding.

This is a full time, office-based position. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m to 5.30 p.m with 1 hour for lunch. Please include your salary expectations within your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Previous applicants need not apply. We invite candidates to inform us in advance about any reasonable adjustments that they may require to take part in the selection procedure and interviews

Personal Injury Solicitor - PI Department - Nottingham Bhatia Best is looking for an experienced Personal Injury Solicitor to join our friendly and growing Personal Injury team in Nottingham. This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor with experience in litigated personal injury claims who wants to take ownership of a varied caseload, develop their expertise and play an important role within a supportive team. About Bhatia Best Bhatia Best is an established East Midlands law firm with offices across the region. We provide specialist legal advice across Personal Injury, Criminal Defence, Family Law, Public Law and Community Care. Our Personal Injury team acts for clients across a broad range of claims, including road traffic accidents, employers’ liability, public liability and occupiers’ liability, as well as claims arising from clinical negligence, criminal injury and historic abuse. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, personal legal advice and putting our clients at the centre of everything we do. About the role You will manage your own caseload of claimant personal injury matters, including litigated and multi-track claims, while working alongside colleagues on more complex and substantial cases. You will have the opportunity to:

• Manage your own caseload from initial instruction through to conclusion.
• Conduct litigated personal injury claims, including multi-track matters.
• Handle road traffic accident, employers’ liability, public liability and occupiers’ liability claims.
• Take responsibility for more substantial and complex matters as your experience develops.
• Advise clients throughout the litigation process and provide clear, commercially focused advice.
• Work closely with colleagues as part of a small, friendly and supportive team.

We’re looking for a solicitor who can demonstrate:

• Ideally 1+ years’ PQE in claimant personal injury litigation.
• Experience managing litigated personal injury claims.
• A good understanding of civil procedure and the litigation process.
• Excellent client-care and communication skills.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage your own caseload effectively.
• Good IT skills and confidence using case management systems.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to contribute positively to a close-knit team.

This is a full time, office-based position.  Office hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m to 5.30 p.m with 1 hour for lunch. Please include your salary expectations within your application.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  Previous applicants need not apply. We invite candidates to inform us in advance about any reasonable adjustments that they may require to take part in the selection procedure and interviews

Law Costs Draftsperson - Nottingham We are currently recruiting for an experienced Law Costs Draftsperson to work in our Public Law & Community Care Judicial Review Department. The successful candidate would be based at our Nottingham Office and would support our Public Law & Community Care Judicial Review Department. Nottingham office – Public Law & Community Care Judicial Review Department Full time – Monday – Friday, 9am – 5.30pm (office based) Salary – Above market rate – subject to experience Job Specification:

1. Costing and billing of legal aid files to include Legal Helps, Payments on Account, Final Legal Aid Claims.
2. Costing and dealing with Inter-Partes costs claims (including risk assessing, drafting replies to points of dispute and negotiating settlement with the paying party)
3. Lodging bills at Court for assessment.
4. Preparing Schedules of Costs
5. Fully conversant with CCMS and legal aid systems. Uploading documents onto CCMS in a timely manner as per LAA requests.
6. Preparing, negotiating and agreeing High Cost Case Plans
7. All aspects of cost recovery, including legal aid appeals.
8. Dealing with any rejected claims.
9. Awareness of and aptitude to meet Legal Aid KPI’s
10. Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid rules and internal office policy
11. Liaising with Counsel’s Chambers in order to obtain fee notes for billing purposes.
12. Liaising with fee earners and addressing any concerns which may be identified whilst preparing a bill
13. Undertaking other clerical and administrative duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.

Personal Specification:

1. A Costs Lawyer Professional Qualification or equivalent qualification.
2. Experience of drafting both Inter Partes and Legal Aid bills.
3. Competent cost drafting skills.
4. Competent negotiating skills.
5. Good oral and written communication skills.
6. High level of numeracy and accuracy when dealing with figures.
7. Ability to work under pressure and process a high volume of claims accurately.
8. Ability to work in a team environment and autonomously, proactively managing your own caseload.
9. Experience of using Case Management Systems.

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge and understanding of Legal Aid Agency rules relating to assessment and recovery of solicitor’s costs in publicly funded files.
2. An understanding of the rules governing Inter Partes bill preparation.
3. Court rules for lodging bills.
4. Court costs assessment procedures.
5. Basic Accounting Principles.
6. Experience of costing Judicial Review files (preferred)

We invite candidates to inform us in advance about any reasonable adjustments that they may require to take part in the selection procedure and interviews

Personal Injury Solicitor - Nottingham We are recruiting a personal injury solicitor or equivalent with experience of dealing with litigated, mostly multitrack employers’ liability, public liability and occupiers liability claims. Our Personal Injury department also specialises in claiming compensation for those who have suffered injuries as a result of serious road accidents, clinical negligence, criminal assaults and historic abuse. We have varied clinical negligence cases including contaminated blood, abdominal mesh matters and vaccine damage. These are complex matters and require good medico legal knowledge. If you believe in and can deliver an exceptional quality service and share our ethos and commitment to clients, this role based at our Nottingham office may be ideal for you.   Candidate You will:

• Have experience of dealing with claimant personal injury matters which are litigated with ideally 3 year + PQE or relevant experience.
• Have a good academic background and have sound procedural knowledge of how to conduct civil court actions, especially using the Damages Portal for online issuing of claims.
• Possess exceptional client care skills.
• Have knowledge of IT systems and processes
• Be a team player, with an individual touch.
• Have a desire to personally develop and progress within the firm

  Key responsibilities You will:

• Look after your own case load and assist on other complex and interesting matters.
• Be willing to conduct more substantial matters from inception.
• Integrate and be part of a small, friendly team undertaking varied, interesting and substantial cases.

We invite candidates to inform us in advance about any reasonable adjustments that they may require to take part in the selection procedure and interviews

LAW COSTS DRAFTSPERSON - FAMILY DEPARTMENT - NOTTINGHAM

Job Specification:

• Costing and billing of legal aid files to include legal helps, payments on account and final bills.
• Fully conversant with CCMS and legal aid systems
• All aspects of cost recovery including legal aid appeals
• Preparing, negotiating and agreeing high cost case plans
• Understanding and adherence to Legal Aid KPI’s
• Working closely with caseworkers
• Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid rules and internal systems
• Experience using digital case management systems and Cost Master preferable

Personal Specification: Skills:

• Good oral and written communication skills
• Competent drafting all types of bills and costs
• Competent negotiating skills

Knowledge: Understanding of rules relating to assessment and recovery of solicitors costs Basic Accounting Principles   We invite candidates to inform us in advance about any reasonable adjustments that they may require to take part in the selection procedure and interviews