Eventus Legal are seeking an experienced Duty Solicitor to join a nationally established, Legal 500-recognised law firm's Criminal Defence team in Leeds, West Yorkshire. This is a full-time, permanent job position with an advertised starting salary of £37,000 - £47,000 per annum, depending on experience, involving police station representation, independent Magistrates' Court advocacy and a varied criminal caseload. Alongside this, the package includes 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, additional birthday leave, employer pension contributions and optional healthcare, as well as structured opportunities for professional development and progression.
Role Responsibilities
The Duty Solicitor will play a central part in delivering high-quality criminal defence representation, from initial police station attendance through to court proceedings. Key responsibilities will include:
- Representing and advising clients detained at police stations, ensuring clear, timely advice throughout the investigation process.
- Managing a varied caseload of criminal defence matters, taking responsibility for preparation, progression and client communication.
- Conducting advocacy in the Magistrates' Court, including summary trials and other criminal hearings.
- Undertaking Crown Court advocacy where appropriate and where Higher Rights of Audience are held.
- Working closely with fellow criminal defence professionals to progress matters efficiently while maintaining a high standard of client care.
Person Specification
The successful Duty Solicitor will be a confident advocate with sound criminal procedure knowledge and a commitment to publicly funded legal services. You should also be able to demonstrate the following:
- Qualification as a Solicitor with at least 1 year PQE in criminal law.
- Experience in Magistrates' Court advocacy and the ability to manage a demanding criminal caseload with limited supervision.
- Strong client communication, advocacy and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with colleagues.
- Good IT skills and confidence using legal case management systems.
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- A professional, pragmatic and positive approach to client service and criminal defence work.
- Crime Duty Solicitor accreditation is desirable rather than essential; applicants who do not hold it must be willing to obtain accreditation.
Salary and Benefits
The firm offers the opportunity to develop a criminal defence career within a recognised practice, supported by experienced colleagues and established processes. The successful Duty Solicitor will also benefit from:
- An advertised starting salary of £37,000 to £47,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Flexible and hybrid working.
- 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
- An additional day of birthday leave.
- A pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Optional Benenden Healthcare.
- Ongoing training, professional development and internal progression opportunities.
- Bi-annual staff events.
- Support from experienced criminal defence specialists across the wider practice.
About the Law Firm
Our client is a national, multi-service law firm with an established commitment to access to justice and a substantial publicly funded criminal defence practice. Its criminal law work is recognised by both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, with the wider practice handling matters ranging from police station investigations to complex court proceedings. The firm offers a supportive working environment, opportunities to learn from experienced specialists and a commitment to developing people from within.
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Duty Solicitor (Leeds) employer: Eventus Recruitment Group
Join a dynamic and growing law firm in Tameside, Greater Manchester, where your expertise as a Senior Residential Property Solicitor will be truly valued. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth, this firm offers a competitive salary alongside benefits such as hybrid working and a recently refurbished office environment. This is an exciting chance to make a meaningful impact within a collaborative team while enjoying a genuine work-life balance.
