Express Solicitors
Express Chambers County Court Advocates
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County Court Advocate
Join our Employed Bar Team
About Us
Express Chambers operates as an integrated chambers model within Express Solicitors, an award-winning law firm currently ranked 64th in The Lawyer UK 200. We comprise barristers, pupil barristers, court advocates, and clerks; the core operation of the department is closely aligned to that of a traditional barristers’ chambers. We are instructed by the wider business to provide specialist advisory and advocacy skills across all of the firm’s practice areas. This innovative and collaborative structure ensures continuity of litigation strategy, efficiency, and the highest standard of representation at every stage.
We are looking for talented Advocates, who are interested in a career at the employed Bar, to join Express Chambers. We are currently unable to offer pupillage to our Advocates outside of our standard pupillage recruitment process. In the event that changes in the future, please be aware that this is a role which might lead to pupillage for sufficiently capable candidates, albeit it most certainly isn’t guaranteed.
What You Will Be Doing
- To undertake court hearings, including (but not limited to) interlocutory applications, case management hearings, and infant approval hearings.
- To draft advices, pleadings, and skeleton arguments.
- Nationwide travel across England and Wales that could require overnight stays.
What We Offer You
- Opportunity to improve “on your feet” litigation experience.
- Working with a wide range of cases.
- 1-1 supervision with an experienced Barrister.
- Development in your drafting and litigation skills.
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What We Are Looking For
- An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
- A fast learner who has a sound working knowledge of the CPR
- Resilience
- The ability to think and perform under pressure
- Sound academics (minimum 2.1 at degree level and a Very Competent, or equivalent, for the bar training course)
Working in the Advocate role at Express is an excellent precursor to pupillage. I have progressed much more quickly and felt more confident throughout my pupillage as a result of the experience I obtained whilst working as an Advocate
—Emily Balls
The position offers regular ‘on your feet’ court experience, alongside drafting, research, and case preparation, providing a well-rounded and practical foundation in litigation. With dedicated 1:1 supervision and exposure to real client matters.
—Sam Wiggs
‘The pupillage process was so much easier to navigate once I had the experience of working as an Advocate at Express. My written application was stronger, and I was able to draw from specific examples of hearing outcomes in interview
—Emily Mawdsley
About The Role
- Salary – £28,500 per annum
- Hours – Usual working hours are 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5:00pm on Friday. The nature of the role means that some travel/working outside of these hours will be required.
- Hybrid working – split between home working, court attendances, and office days.
- Holidays – 23 days of holiday per year, rising to 26 days. Birthday holiday day after 2 years service.
- Benefits – Onsite free gym. Company sports teams. Various social events both within Chambers and with the wider business.
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Benefits
Hybrid Working
- 6 office days a month after passing probation.
23 Days Holiday
- Rising to 26 days, plus bank/public holidays.
Extra Holidays
- 3 holiday buy backs and an extra day for your birthday after service length requirement.
Looking After Your Health
- Private medical insurance available after 2 years’ service, annual flu jab and Employee Assistance Programme.
Looking After Your Well-being
- 24/7 onsite Gym, Netball/Football team, 10km Manchester team and more.
Work Life / Balance
- Active social committee with generous departmental and firm-wide social budget.
Where are we?
South Court,
1 Sharston Road,
Manchester,
M22 4SN
Recruitment Process
The interview is conducted via MS Teams with an experienced Barrister and a member of the Emerging Talent team. It comprises an advocacy exercise as well as interview questions. Papers for the advocacy exercise will be provided approximately 48 hours before the interview.
We rate skill and ability above all else and our recruitment policy encourages applications from all.
Need more info?
Oliver Doak, our Associate - Emerging Talent Specialist, is happy to answer any questions you may have, about what Express Solicitors can offer you.
0161 904 4660
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