At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and representation in criminal defence cases.
- Company: Join a respected criminal defence practice with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a varied caseload and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in clients' lives while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with at least 3 years of experience in criminal law.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 45000 £ per year.
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
- 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
Your data will be handled in line with GDPR.
Duty Solicitor in Brighton employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Join a respected and well-established criminal defence firm in Redditch, where you will be part of a supportive and experienced team dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation. With opportunities for professional growth and a varied caseload, this role offers a meaningful career path in a dynamic environment that values client-focused service and teamwork.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Solicitor in Brighton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with other legal professionals! Attend local law events, join online forums, or even hit up social media groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, don’t be shy! Bring along examples of your work or case studies that highlight your experience in criminal law. This will help you stand out and show them exactly what you can bring to the table.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the firm and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like police station representation and court advocacy. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying through us not only gives you access to exclusive listings but also helps streamline your application process. Let’s land that Duty Solicitor role together!
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Solicitor in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Duty Solicitor role. Highlight your experience in criminal law, especially your police station representation and court advocacy skills. We want to see how your background fits with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about criminal defence and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it professional but let your personality come through – we love a bit of character!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your communication and interpersonal skills. These are crucial for a Duty Solicitor. Give examples of how you've effectively managed a busy caseload or supported clients through tough times.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Criminal Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in criminal law before your interview. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your advocacy skills during the interview. You might be asked to role-play a scenario or discuss how you would handle a specific case. Think about your past experiences and be ready to share examples that highlight your strengths in this area.
✨Understand the Firm's Values
Research the firm’s reputation and values. They pride themselves on being client-focused and approachable, so think about how you can convey these qualities in your responses. Tailor your answers to reflect their ethos and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, caseload management, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the firm is the right fit for you.
