Criminal Defence Lawyer - Duty Solicitor

IPS Group Limited; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident employer scheme

Job summary

IPS Group Limited is seeking a motivated candidate for a Criminal Defence Lawyer – Duty Solicitor role in Greater Manchester. You will work with experienced criminal defence lawyers, gaining exposure to a broad range of matters and developing practical skills aimed at progressing to duty solicitor status.

The firm highlights clear progression pathways, structured training, and internal development opportunities for committed individuals pursuing a long-term career in criminal defence law.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Proactive and professional approach to work.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a close-knit team.

Responsibilities

• Gain exposure to a broad range of criminal defence matters and develop practical skills.
• Work alongside experienced criminal defence lawyers and progress toward duty solicitor status.
• Join a firm with clear progression routes and structured training and development.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Education

Law Graduate

LPC

SQE

Job description

Criminal Defence Lawyer - Duty Solicitor

Looking to Build a Career in Criminal Defence?

Are you an experienced Paralegal, LPC graduate, SQE candidate, future trainee solicitor or law graduate with a genuine passion for criminal defence work?

Our client, recognised as one of the best places to work, is renowned for investing heavily in its people and developing talent from within. With established career pathways, apprenticeships and long-term progression opportunities, this is an outstanding opportunity for someone looking to build a successful career in criminal law and ultimately qualify as a Duty Solicitor.

Whether you are at the start of your legal career or already have some criminal law experience, this role offers the chance to join a highly respected and supportive Criminal Defence team.

The Opportunity

You will work alongside experienced criminal defence lawyers, gaining exposure to a broad range of matters while developing the practical skills and legal knowledge needed to progress within the profession ultimately to duty solicitor status.

The firm prides itself on nurturing ambitious individuals and providing clear progression routes for those committed to a long-term career in criminal defence law.

We are keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate a genuine interest in criminal defence work and a desire to develop their career within this specialist area.

You may be:

• A Law Graduate
• Completing or having completed the LPC
• Studying or preparing for the SQE
• A Paralegal with criminal law experience
• Working towards securing a training contract – or even part way through

To be successful, you will ideally have:

• Previous exposure to criminal law through work experience, placements, vacation schemes or employment.
• A genuine and demonstrable passion for criminal defence work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A proactive and professional approach to your work.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a close-knit team.

Why Join?

• Join a firm recognised as one of the best employers in the sector.
• Work with an experienced and highly regarded Criminal Defence team.
• Access structured training and development opportunities.
• Benefit from genuine internal progression pathways.
• Develop towards becoming a qualified Duty Solicitor.
• Be part of a collaborative culture that values teamwork, support and professional growth.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Company: IPS Group Limited

Salary: £35,000 to £45,000 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Greater Manchester, M2 2JG

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 29 Oct 2026

Closing date: 27 Nov 2026

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.

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