Criminal Duty Solicitor

Duty Criminal Defence Solicitor | NQ+ | West Midlands | Full Time or Part Time | Competitive Salary DOE

The Opportunity

An established and well-regarded criminal defence firm in the West Midlands is seeking an experienced Duty Criminal Defence Solicitor to join its growing team. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated solicitor looking for high-quality criminal defence work, advocacy exposure and long-term development within a supportive practice.

The Role

You will undertake a full range of criminal defence work, including police station advice, magistrates’ court advocacy and preparation of cases for the Crown Court. The role involves participation in the duty solicitor rota and provides the chance to work on a varied and busy caseload.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising and representing clients at the police station (including out-of-hours work)
• Managing a broad criminal defence caseload from initial instruction through conclusion
• Magistrates’ Court advocacy, including trials and hearings
• Preparing cases for the Crown Court and instructing counsel where appropriate
• Providing clear, practical advice to legally aided and private clients
• Maintaining high professional standards and compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Solicitor, NQ+, with criminal defence experience
• Duty Solicitor accreditation (or close to qualification)
• Confident advocate with strong police station and court experience
• Able to manage a busy caseload independently
• Dedicated to client care and criminal defence work
• Strong organisational and communication skills

Why Join?

• Established criminal defence practice with a strong local reputation
• Consistent and varied workload
• Supportive team environment
• Genuine career stability and progression
• Opportunity to focus on hands-on criminal defence and advocacy

At eNL we value diversity and inclusion. We want to attract people at all levels and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates whatever your ethnicity, religion, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any characteristics protected by law in the jurisdictions in which we operate.