Criminal Defence Solicitor

MSB Solicitors; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

MSB Solicitors in Birmingham seeks a qualified criminal defence solicitor or experienced Chartered Legal Executive to join our busy crime team. You will undertake duty solicitor commitments, advise clients at police stations and courts, and manage a mixed caseload of legally aided and privately funded matters.

Strong advocacy, excellent client care, and effective communication are essential. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel support flexible case handling across jurisdictions.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with experience in criminal defence.
• Duty Solicitor accreditation desirable (or willingness to obtain accreditation).
• Strong advocacy and case management skills.
• Excellent client care and communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel.

Responsibilities

• Attend police stations and courts to advise and represent clients.
• Undertake duty solicitor rota responsibilities (where accredited).
• Manage a mixed caseload of legally aided and privately funded criminal matters.
• Conduct advocacy in the Magistrates' Court.
• Prepare cases for trial, sentence and appeal hearings.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, generating repeat instructions and referrals.
• Liaise effectively with courts, counsel, experts, the CPS and other agencies.
• Ensure compliance with Legal Aid Agency, SRA and internal regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of the Birmingham Crime Team.

Skills

Advocacy

Case management

Client care

Communication skills

Driving licence

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

To provide high-quality criminal defence representation to clients at police stations, Magistrates' Courts and the Crown Court. The successful candidate will undertake duty solicitor commitments where accredited, manage a varied caseload of their own clients, and deliver excellent legal advice and advocacy throughout the criminal justice process.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend police stations and courts to advise and represent clients.
• Undertake duty solicitor rota responsibilities (where accredited).
• Manage a mixed caseload of legally aided and privately funded criminal matters.
• Conduct advocacy in the Magistrates' Court.
• Prepare cases for trial, sentence and appeal hearings.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, generating repeat instructions and referrals.
• Liaise effectively with courts, counsel, experts, the CPS and other agencies.
• Ensure compliance with Legal Aid Agency, SRA and internal regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of the Birmingham Crime Team.
• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with experience in criminal defence.
• Duty Solicitor accreditation desirable (or willingness to obtain accreditation).
• Strong advocacy and case management skills.
• Excellent client care and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel as required.