Job Description
Duty Solicitor Criminal Defence
Location: Redditch Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am 5:30 pm Salary: £30,000 £45,000 (dependent on experience)
Established in 2022, our client is a specialist criminal defence practice providing expert legal advice and representation to clients across the UK. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering professional, approachable, and client-focused legal services, offering support through every stage of criminal proceedings.
The Role
Our client is seeking a qualified and experienced Criminal Duty Solicitor to join a busy and well-established specialist criminal defence practice based in Redditch. The successful candidate will become part of a supportive and experienced legal team providing high-quality representation and advice across all stages of criminal proceedings.
The role involves representing clients at police stations and courts, managing a varied caseload, and contributing to the continued success and development of the department. Duty Solicitor status and membership of the Court and 24-hour Police Station rota are essential.
Key responsibilities include:
* Providing legal advice and assistance to clients at all stages of criminal proceedings
* Attending police stations to represent clients as part of the 24-hour rota
* Representing clients in Magistrates Court and Crown Court proceedings
* Managing a caseload in line with SRA Code of Conduct, LAA Contract requirements, SQM standards, and internal quality procedures
* Taking detailed client instructions and providing clear, practical legal advice
* Conducting legal research and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of criminal law
* Undertaking advocacy and case preparation for court hearings and trials
* Assisting in appeals against conviction and/or sentence where required
* Supporting and supervising administrative staff where appropriate
* Contributing to the development and improvement of office procedures
* Ensuring compliance with confidentiality, equality, and diversity policies
* Maintaining a safe, professional, and efficient working environment
Requirements
Essential
* Qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 3 years PQE
* Current Duty Solicitor accreditation and eligibility for rota membership
* Strong experience in criminal law practice
* Proven experience in:
* Police station representation
* Crown Court and Magistrates Court advocacy
* Excellent communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills
* Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage a busy caseload
* Strong understanding of SRA, LAA, and SQM compliance requirements
* Full UK driving licence
* Competent IT and computer literacy skills
* Strong understanding of confidentiality and professional obligations
Desirable
* Experience supervising junior staff or administrative teams
* Ability to contribute to training, knowledge sharing, and team development
* Strong organisational and time management skills
Whats in It For You
* Opportunity to join a respected and well-established criminal defence firm
* Supportive and experienced team environment
* Varied and challenging caseload
* Opportunity for professional growth and development
* Active role within a busy and reputable legal practice
* Annual leave: 21 days plus bank holidays
Whats next? Its easy! Click APPLY now! We cant wait to hear from you!
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