Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle diverse Criminal Defence cases and represent clients in court.
- Company: Forbes Solicitors, a supportive and inclusive law firm.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, enhanced family policies, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real difference in clients' lives.
- Qualifications: NQ Solicitor or CILEX with criminal practice rights and court experience.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant workplace with excellent career growth and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Forbes Solicitors are seeking a Newly Qualified Solicitor or Duty Solicitor to join our Crime team. This exciting opportunity allows you to work in a supportive environment while handling a varied case load of Criminal Defence matters.
Location: Northwest Offices
Hours: Full-time, 36.25 hours per week
Key Responsibilities:
- Handling a full range of Criminal Defence cases both Private and Legal Aid clients which may be complex and/or sensitive cases.
- Attending Courts hearings for a wide variety of criminal defence hearings.
- Representing clients detained at the police station, conducting advocacy in the Magistrates/Crown Court, attending to clients both in and outside of office hours.
- Providing clear written and verbal legal advice, and managing communications with clients, opponents, Courts/Tribunals and third parties to progress files.
- Supporting the wider team by assisting colleagues on cases, contributing to departmental objectives, and collaborating across departments on joint matters and projects.
- Ensuring compliance with internal and external business requirements.
- Contributing to continuous improvement and the development of the departmental business plan.
- Building strong client and stakeholder relationships, enhancing the Firm’s profile, and supporting business development.
About You:
We are looking for people that can demonstrate the following:
Essential:
- Be an NQ Solicitor or CILEX, with criminal practice rights.
- Previous experience within Criminal Law and dealing with Criminal clients.
- Demonstrate excellent knowledge of Criminal Law.
- Demonstrable experience working within the Magistrates and/or Crown Court.
- Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Previous experience in managing a busy caseload and meeting deadlines while achieving fee targets and contributing effectively within a team.
- Aligns with the Firm’s values.
Desirable:
- Has Duty Solicitor status, or a willingness to work towards it.
Benefits:
- 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
- Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to T&Cs).
- Enhanced family friendly policies and pay for Maternity, Paternity and Adoption.
- Enhanced sick pay.
- Celebration and Volunteer leave.
- Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities.
- Profit share scheme.
- Additional long service awards.
- Subsidised tuck shops.
- Staff discount on Firm services.
- Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services).
- BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependents).
- Retail and gym membership discounts.
- Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to T&Cs).
- Annual Events.
Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability-confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community.
Newly Qualifed or Duty Solicitor (Crime) employer: Forbes Solicitors
Contact Detail:
Forbes Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Newly Qualifed or Duty Solicitor (Crime)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend local events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re advertised.
✨Ace the Interview
When you land that interview, be ready to showcase your knowledge of Criminal Law and your experience in court. Prepare some examples of how you've handled complex cases and don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the firm’s culture and values!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you're keen and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the role!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Newly Qualifed or Duty Solicitor (Crime)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in Criminal Law and any relevant cases you've handled. We want to see how you fit into our Crime team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your skills! Talk about your attention to detail, organisational abilities, and how you've managed a busy caseload. We love seeing real examples of your work.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to legal advice!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forbes Solicitors
✨Know Your Criminal Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Criminal Law before the interview. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact your role. This shows your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since you'll be attending court hearings, it’s crucial to demonstrate your advocacy skills during the interview. Consider preparing a mock scenario where you can showcase how you would represent a client effectively. This will give the interviewers a taste of your courtroom presence.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
Forbes Solicitors values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues in the past. Discuss specific instances where your contributions helped achieve departmental objectives or improved case outcomes.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s approach to criminal defence and how they support their solicitors' professional development. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.