Redditch
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 include: • 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 Whats 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 Whats next? Its easy! Click APPLY now! We cant wait to hear from you! Your data will be handled in line with GDPR JBRP1_UKTJ