Duty Solicitor
Location: Telford, Shropshire
Salary: £35,000 – £50,000 per annum, depending on experience
Job Type: Full-Time
Working Pattern: Full-time, with out-of-hours police station work available
The Role
We are recruiting for an experienced Duty Solicitor to join an established legal practice in Telford, working within a small but highly regarded Criminal Law department.
The successful candidate will provide professional legal advice and representation to clients across a range of criminal matters, with a particular focus on police station representation and opportunities to undertake Crown Court work where appropriately qualified.
As a Duty Solicitor, you will provide independent legal representation to individuals who require assistance following arrest or when facing criminal proceedings. Duty Solicitors play an important role in protecting clients' legal rights and ensuring they receive appropriate professional advice and representation throughout the criminal justice process.
This is a full-time opportunity suited to a qualified solicitor who is already Duty Solicitor qualified, or who is close to obtaining their Duty Solicitor accreditation.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters from initial instruction through to conclusion.
- Provide independent, high-quality legal advice and representation to clients.
- Attend police stations to advise and represent clients following arrest and during police interviews.
- Provide advice and representation through the Duty Solicitor scheme.
- Represent clients at magistrates' court where required and appropriately qualified.
- Undertake Crown Court work where appropriately qualified.
- Provide clear, practical and professional advice throughout each case.
- Prepare cases for court proceedings and ensure relevant documentation is completed accurately.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records.
- Manage case deadlines and ensure work is completed in accordance with relevant procedures and regulations.
- Communicate effectively with clients, courts, police, counsel and other relevant parties.
- Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients.
- Work collaboratively within the Criminal Law department.
- Maintain high standards of client care, confidentiality and professional conduct.
Duty Solicitor Responsibilities
- Provide independent legal advice and representation to clients requiring assistance at the police station.
- Protect clients' legal rights and ensure they understand the legal options available to them.
- Respond to police station call-outs and provide representation as required.
- Provide advice and representation to eligible clients through the relevant legal aid arrangements.
- Represent clients at magistrates' court where required.
- Maintain the professional standards and requirements associated with Duty Solicitor accreditation.
- Undertake out-of-hours police station work as required.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Qualified Solicitor with a current practising certificate.
- Current Duty Solicitor qualification, or close to obtaining Duty Solicitor accreditation.
- Minimum of 2-years' experience within Criminal Law.
- Strong understanding of criminal procedure and relevant legislation.
- Experience representing clients at police stations.
- Ability to manage a criminal caseload independently.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent client-care skills.
- Strong advocacy and case-management abilities.
- High level of professional integrity and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Desirable Experience
- Crown Court advocacy experience.
- Existing own-client following.
- Experience working within a busy Criminal Law department.
- Experience undertaking out-of-hours police station work.
- Experience representing clients at magistrates' court.
Personal Attributes
- Professional and approachable manner.
- Client-focused approach with a commitment to high-quality legal advice.
- Confident and composed when dealing with clients and challenging situations.
- Organised and able to manage competing priorities.
- Collaborative and supportive team player.
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach.
- Committed to continued professional development.
- Able to work effectively under pressure and respond to urgent client requirements.
What the Role Offers
- Salary of £35,000 – £50,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Full-time permanent opportunity.
- Opportunity to join an established Criminal Law department.
- Strong existing client base.
- Opportunity to develop and grow your own caseload.
- Police station and Duty Solicitor work.
- Out-of-hours police station work available.
- Opportunity to undertake Crown Court work.
- Supportive working environment.
- Professional development and career progression opportunities.
