Criminal Defence Lawyer - Duty Solicitor status NOT required

Anakin Seal Legal; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Supportive team

Job summary

Anakin Seal Legal in Rochdale seeks an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor to join its busy Criminal Defence team. The role offers a varied caseload, strong career development, and a supportive working environment that emphasizes teamwork and professional excellence.

You will manage a broad caseload, provide expert advice, attend police stations, advocate in Magistrates Court, and prepare Crown Court matters while building lasting client relationships.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years' PQE in Criminal Defence (Solicitor or CILEX).
• Strong advocacy, communication, and client care skills.
• Excellent organisational and case management ability.
• Proactive and professional approach to client representation.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Full driving licence preferred, although not essential.

Responsibilities

• Managing a varied criminal defence caseload including road traffic matters from instruction through to conclusion.
• Preparing cases to a high standard and developing defence strategies.
• Attending police stations.
• Conducting advocacy in Magistrates Court.
• Preparing Crown Court matters and liaising with counsel.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Working closely with experts, external agencies, and key stakeholders.
• Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency and SRA requirements.

Skills

Advocacy skills

Client care

Organisation

Teamwork

Communication

Education

PQE in Criminal Defence

Job description

A well-established and growing law firm is seeking an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor to join its busy and highly regarded Criminal Defence team in Rochdale.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated solicitor to join a supportive and collaborative practice offering a varied caseload, genuine career development opportunities, and a positive working environment where teamwork and professional excellence go hand in hand.

The Opportunity

Working as part of a dedicated Criminal Defence team, you will manage a broad caseload of criminal matters including road traffic. You will provide expert advice and representation to clients throughout the criminal justice process.

The role offers exposure to a wide range of work including police station attendance, Magistrates' Court advocacy, Crown Court preparation, and ongoing client management. Duty Solicitor status is not required but you must be police station accredited.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a varied criminal defence caseload including road traffic matters from instruction through to conclusion
• Preparing cases to a high standard and developing defence strategies
• Attending police stations
• Conducting advocacy in Magistrates Court
• Preparing Crown Court matters and liaising with counsel
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Working closely with experts, external agencies, and key stakeholders
• Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency and SRA requirements

About You

Applications are welcomed from enthusiastic candidates who are looking to progress their career within criminal defence at a firm that values its employees and its working environment. Ideally you will have:

• At least 3 years' PQE in Criminal Defence (Solicitor or CILEX)
• Strong advocacy, communication, and client care skills
• Excellent organisational and case management ability
• A proactive and professional approach to client representation
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Full driving licence preferred, although not essential

What's on Offer?

• Extremely competitive salary depending on experience
• High-quality and varied criminal defence caseload
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Strong professional development and progression opportunities
• Friendly firm culture with an emphasis on teamwork and mutual support
• Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious practice