Setting up a criminal practice

elgransenor

From members' experience or otherwise, what is the best way to set up a criminal practice viz what concrete steps would a solicitor take if he/she wanted to concentrate solely in criminal or what steps should an existing general practice solr. take to develop a criminal department?

Thanks in advance and am particularly interested in the nuts and bolts practicalities of doing so as opposed to the theory.

Thanks

Jo King

It depends on where the solicitor is based. It differs between Dublin City Centre and other areas. It is all about getting on the Legal Aid panel and getting assignments. It will invariably involve establishing a base close to the District Courts where assignments take place. It then involves hanging around the District Court as much as possible in the hope of being assigned cases. Having been assigned cases the next step is to try and get repeat business and referrals by delivering a good service. Many criminals are repeat offenders and some come from families who have many members before the courts frequently. Once there are enough cases in being the solicitor will automatically be in the District Court all the time and further assignments will invariably follow.