Criminal Assistant Solicitor

The Eventus Recruitment Group; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Flexible working hours

Cycle-to-work scheme

Accreditation progression

Job summary

Eventus Legal in Northampton is seeking a Criminal Solicitor at NQ+ level to join an established team. This full-time role offers a salary up to £50,000, hybrid working with remote days after an initial office-based period, and 25 days of annual leave.

You will handle criminal defence matters, provide clear client advice, and progress towards Police Station Accreditation and Duty Solicitor status over time. A driving licence is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience handling criminal defence matters, including varied offences.
• Experience of Legal Aid criminal defence work and advocacy.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload with high client care standards.

Responsibilities

• Interview and advise clients at each stage of their matter.
• Attend Magistrates' Court and undertake advocacy where required.
• Keep case files updated in the case management system.
• Manage Legal Aid billing and private client work as appropriate.
• Stay updated on changes in criminal law, procedure and practice.
• Pursue Police Station Accreditation and Duty Solicitor status over time.

Skills

Criminal defence

Client communication

Organisation

Case management

Advocacy

Time management

Driving licence

Education

Qualified Solicitor

NQ+ level

Tools

Case management system

Legal Aid billing

Job description

Eventus Legal are seeking aCriminal Solicitor NQ+to join an established team of criminal law specialists in Northampton, Northamptonshire. This is a full-time, permanent job position offering a competitive salary up to £50,000 based on experience, full and genuine flexible working hours, hybrid working with remote days available following an initial office-based period, 25 days' annual leave and the opportunity to work towards Police Station Accreditation and Duty Solicitor status over time.

Role Responsibilities

As a Criminal Solicitor in Northampton, Northamptonshire you will join an experienced team and manage criminal defence matters while providing clear, practical advice and representation to clients. Key responsibilities will include:

• Interviewing and advising clients at each stage of their matter
• Managing criminal casework efficiently and keeping the case management system accurate and up to date
• Attending the Magistrates' Court as required and undertaking advocacy on behalf of clients
• Reviewing files regularly and progressing matters promptly
• Managing Legal Aid billing, including claims for interim payments where appropriate, alongside billing private client work
• Keeping up to date with changes in criminal law, procedure and practice
• Attending relevant training and developing your professional knowledge
• Working towards Police Station Accreditation and, in time, Duty Solicitor status where this has not already been achieved

Person Specification

Applications are welcomed from qualified Solicitors from NQ level upwards in Northampton, Northamptonshire with criminal defence experience who can manage a busy caseload while maintaining high standards of client care. You should also be able to demonstrate the following:

• Experience handling or assisting with a caseload of criminal defence matters including but not limited to: driving offences, drug offences, fraud, cybercrime, violent crime and weapons offences, sexual offences and terrorism related offences
• Experience of Legal Aid criminal defence work and advocacy
• Knowledge of criminal legal procedures and billing requirements
• The ability to use your initiative, work with limited supervision and remain effective under pressure
• Strong communication, organisation and case-management skills
• The ability to prioritise competing deadlines and progress matters efficiently
• A full driving licence and access to a car
• Police Station Accreditation and willingness to participate in the on‑call rota would be advantageous but are not essential

Benefits and Rewards

This Criminal Solicitor job in Northampton, Northamptonshire offers flexibility, a clear salary structure and scope for continued professional development. The successful Criminal Solicitor will also benefit from:

• A competitive salary based on experience within a structured salary framework up to £50,000
• 25 days' annual leave excluding bank holidays
• Full and genuine flexible working hours
• Hybrid working following an initial office based period with the ability to work remotely from home
• A cycle-to-work scheme
• The opportunity to train towards Police Station Accreditation and Duty Solicitor status
• The option to earn additional overtime through the on‑call rota if already accredited and willing to participate
• Ongoing training and professional development

About the Law Firm

This well established law firm with offices across Northamptonshire the South East and has an experienced criminal defence team providing advice and representation across a broad range of matters. Based in Northampton, Northamptonshire, they offer a collaborative working environment where a Criminal Solicitor can join an existing team, develop their advocacy and casework experience, and build towards further accreditation with structured support.