At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice and representation in criminal matters, especially at police stations.
- Company: Established legal practice in Telford with a strong Criminal Law department.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for out-of-hours work.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on high standards of client care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by protecting clients' rights in the criminal justice system.
- Qualifications: Qualified Duty Solicitor or close to obtaining accreditation.
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
Solicitor (Duty) employer: Staffing Lab
Join a respected legal practice in Telford, where you will be part of a supportive and collaborative Criminal Law department dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation. With competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth, including the chance to undertake Crown Court work, this role offers a meaningful career path for Duty Solicitors committed to protecting clients' rights. Enjoy a work culture that values integrity, client care, and teamwork, all within a vibrant community setting.
