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
What’s 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
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