Criminal Defence Trainee Solicitor: Hands-on Experience

Ministry of Justice; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Defender Service (PDS) is seeking a Trainee Solicitor to gain hands-on experience across criminal defence within a training-focused environment. You will work with experienced solicitors and advocates, assisting with police station advice, case preparation and client care.

The role provides structured supervision, high-quality training, and opportunities to develop advocacy, litigation and client-care skills while contributing to meaningful public service work.

Qualifications

• Must have completed the LPC or the SQE pathway and require qualifying work experience.

Responsibilities

• Undertake training to conduct unaided cases from arrest through sentence.
• Take instructions from clients, draft statements and attendance notes.
• Develop and advise on options, strategies and solutions.
• Undertake police station representation (including out of hours scheme).
• Conduct legal research and analysis of casework.
• Engage in negotiation, drafting and oral/written advocacy.
• Establish professional relationships with clients and others.
• Plan, manage and progress legal matters and transactions.
• Prioritise and manage work to required standards and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate, complete and clear records.

Education

LPC or SQE with qualifying work experience

Job description

Public Defender Service (PDS) is seeking a Trainee Solicitor to gain hands-on experience across criminal defence within a training-focused environment. You will work with experienced solicitors and advocates, assisting with police station advice, case preparation and client care.

The role provides structured supervision, high-quality training, and opportunities to develop advocacy, litigation and client-care skills while contributing to meaningful public service work.