Criminal Defence Solicitor 3+ PQE (duty status not required)

IPS Group Limited; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident employer scheme

Job summary

IPS Group Limited in Greater Manchester is seeking an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor (3+ PQE) to join its busy Criminal Defence team in Rochdale. You will manage a varied caseload including road traffic and provide expert advice through the criminal process.

You will work with a supportive team, enjoy opportunities for career progression, and be part of a firm with a strong reputation and Disability Confident status.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied criminal defence caseload including road traffic from instruction to conclusion.
• Prepare cases to a high standard and develop defence strategies.
• Attend police stations and conduct advocacy in Magistrates Court.
• Prepare Crown Court matters and liaise with counsel.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and work with external agencies.
• Ensure compliance with Legal Aid Agency and SRA requirements.

Skills

Advocacy

Communication

Client care

Organisation

Teamwork

Driving licence

Job description

Criminal Defence Solicitor 3+ PQE (duty status not required)

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

• 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?

• Competitive salary of £35,000 - £60,000 depending on experience
• High-quality and varied criminal defence caseload
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Strong professional development and progression opportunitiesFriendly firm culture with an emphasis on teamwork and mutual support
• Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious practice

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Company Details

Company: IPS Group Limited

Salary: £35,000 to £60,000 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Greater Manchester, M2 2JG

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 30 Sept 2026

Closing date: 29 Oct 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.