Duty Solicitor

Duty Solicitor - Criminal Defence

Location: Redditch Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Salary: £30,000 - £45,000 (dependent on experience)

Established in 2022, our client is a specialist criminal defence practice providing expert legal advice and representation to clients across the UK. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering professional, approachable, and client-focused legal services, offering support through every stage of criminal proceedings.

The Role

Our client is seeking a qualified and experienced Criminal Duty Solicitor to join a busy and well-established specialist criminal defence practice based in Redditch. The successful candidate will become part of a supportive and experienced legal team providing high-quality representation and advice across all stages of criminal proceedings.

The role involves representing clients at police stations and courts, managing a varied caseload, and contributing to the continued success and development of the department. Duty Solicitor status and membership of the Court and 24-hour Police Station rota are essential.

Key responsibilities

• Providing legal advice and assistance to clients at all stages of criminal proceedings
• Attending police stations to represent clients as part of the 24-hour rota
• Representing clients in Magistrates' Court and Crown Court proceedings
• Managing a caseload in line with SRA Code of Conduct, LAA Contract requirements, SQM standards, and internal quality procedures
• Taking detailed client instructions and providing clear, practical legal advice
• Conducting legal research and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of criminal law
• Undertaking advocacy and case preparation for court hearings and trials
• Assisting in appeals against conviction and/or sentence where required
• Supporting and supervising administrative staff where appropriate
• Contributing to the development and improvement of office procedures
• Ensuring compliance with confidentiality, equality, and diversity policies
• Maintaining a safe, professional, and efficient working environment

Requirements Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 3 years PQE
• Current Duty Solicitor accreditation and eligibility for rota membership
• Strong experience in criminal law practice
• Proven experience in:
• Police station representation
• Crown Court and Magistrates' Court advocacy
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage a busy caseload
• Strong understanding of SRA, LAA, and SQM compliance requirements
• Full UK driving licence
• Competent IT and computer literacy skills
• Strong understanding of confidentiality and professional obligations

Desirable

• Experience supervising junior staff or administrative teams
• Ability to contribute to training, knowledge sharing, and team development
• Strong organisational and time management skills

What's in It For You

• Opportunity to join a respected and well-established criminal defence firm
• Supportive and experienced team environment
• Varied and challenging caseload
• Opportunity for professional growth and development
• Active role within a busy and reputable legal practice
• Annual leave: 21 days plus bank holidays

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