Assistant Solicitor – Criminal Defence / Duty Solicitor
Location: Luton
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Practice Area: Criminal Defence
About Noble Solicitors
Noble Solicitors is an established multi-office law firm with a strong and longstanding reputation in criminal defence. Founded in 1996, the firm operates across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northampton and the City of London, with a significant presence in Luton.
We undertake a high volume of publicly funded and privately funded criminal defence work, representing clients from the police station through to the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and beyond. Our criminal defence teams handle a broad range of cases, from everyday criminal allegations to serious and complex proceedings.
As the firm continues to grow, we are looking to recruit an Assistant Solicitor who is a qualified Duty Solicitor, or is able and willing to obtain Duty Solicitor accreditation, to join our Criminal Defence team.
The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated criminal defence solicitor to join a busy and well-established practice.
The successful candidate will manage their own criminal caseload while working alongside experienced solicitors, advocates and support staff. You will represent clients at all stages of the criminal justice process and play an important role in maintaining the high standard of representation for which Noble Solicitors is known.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Advising and representing clients at the police station, including attending interviews under caution
- Representing clients before the Magistrates’ Court
- Participating in the Duty Solicitor rota, where appropriately accredited
- Managing a varied criminal defence caseload from initial instruction through to conclusion
- Preparing cases for Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court proceedings
- Taking client instructions and providing clear, practical and accurate legal advice
- Reviewing evidence, preparing case strategies and progressing matters efficiently
- Liaising with the courts, CPS, police, counsel and other relevant agencies
- Maintaining accurate files and ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency, SRA and firm requirements
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the firm to deliver an excellent standard of client care
About You
We are looking for someone who is committed to criminal defence and is comfortable working in a busy, fast-moving environment.
Ideally, you will:
- Be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales with a current practising certificate
- Have experience in criminal defence and criminal litigation
- Hold Duty Solicitor accreditation, or be in a position to work towards obtaining accreditation
- Have experience representing clients at police stations and/or Magistrates’ Courts
- Have a good working knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure and legal aid
- Be confident managing your own caseload and working to deadlines
- Have strong advocacy, drafting, communication and client-care skills
- Be organised, dependable and able to work effectively as part of a team
- Demonstrate sound professional judgement and a genuine commitment to representing clients facing criminal proceedings
Applications are also welcome from solicitors at an early stage in their criminal defence careers who have the ambition and commitment to develop in the role.
Why Join Noble Solicitors?
Noble Solicitors offers the opportunity to develop your career within an established criminal defence practice handling a substantial and varied caseload.
You will work alongside experienced criminal law specialists in a supportive environment where professional development, collaboration and high-quality client representation are valued.
As the firm continues to expand, we are keen to hear from solicitors who want to build a long-term career with Noble Solicitors and contribute to the continued growth of our Criminal Defence department.
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