Criminal Duty Solicitor

QED Legal LLP; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable Lexcel-accredited legal practice in Ipswich seeks a Duty Solicitor to join their expanding team. The role involves client representation from police station to court, focusing on both legally aided and private clients, providing a supportive environment for professional growth.

Benefits

Fully paid overtime

Supportive culture

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with PQE.
• Strong advocacy skills.
• Commitment to criminal defence.

Responsibilities

• Attending police stations and managing own caseload.
• Representing clients in the Magistrates’ Court.
• Acting as a litigator in Crown Court cases.

Skills

Advocacy

Client representation

Legal advice

Job description

We know the criminal justice system is under real pressure right now — but in the middle of it all, there are still firms doing things the right way. We're working with one of them: a well-established, Lexcel-accredited practice with an outstanding reputation across the South-East. They’re growing their Duty Solicitor teams and are keen to hear from qualified solicitors at all levels of PQE who want to make a difference.

You’ll be working with both legally aided and private clients, supporting them from police station through to court. The firm has a dedicated team structure — split across North and South Essex, with a separate group in Ipswich — so you’ll have support around you, not just cases on your desk.

What you’ll be doing:

1. Attending police stations (during the day and sometimes out of hours — and yes, any overtime is fully paid)
2. Representing clients in the Magistrates’ Court, including advocacy and trial work
3. Managing your own caseload and progressing files independently
4. Acting as a litigator in Crown Court cases where needed
5. Giving clear, confident advice to clients at what’s often a difficult time
6. Working closely with your team to keep things running smoothly

This firm isn’t just ticking boxes — they genuinely value the people who choose to do publicly funded work, and they back that up with a supportive culture, proper resources, and opportunities to progress. If you’re a Duty Solicitor with strong advocacy skills and a real commitment to criminal defence, they’d love to hear from you.