Criminal Duty Solicitors

Bhatia Best Solicitors; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in the East Midlands seeks a Solicitor (NQ+) for its Criminal Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for engaging with clients, preparing case files, and representing them in court. Candidates must possess a current practising certificate and CLAS accreditation. Strong analytical skills, good communication, and competence in legal document drafting are essential. The role includes out-of-hours work on a rota basis, providing a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Currently practicing solicitor in Crime with Duty Solicitor Accreditation.
• Experience with maintaining case files and compliance with SQM.
• Comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities

• Engage in client interaction daily via various channels.
• Prepare case files and attend court to represent clients.
• Participate in police station attendance and litigation.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Advocacy skills

Good oral and written communication skills

Competent drafting of legal documents

Strong analytical skills

Negotiating skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365

Full UK Driving Licence (desirable)

Education

Solicitor with current practising certificate

CLAS accreditation as Duty Solicitor

Tools

Computerised case management system

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

CRIMINAL DEPARTMENT – ALL BRANCHES

This is an opportunity for a Solicitor (NQ+) to join our busy Criminal Department. The successful candidate will be a currently practicing solicitor in Crime, have a strong work ethic and advocacy skills, and hold a Duty Solicitor Accreditation.

Our activity spans the East Midlands and the successful candidate may be required from time to time to conduct work at any of three branches or at other Police Stations and Court Centres in the area.

Job Specification

Solicitor primarily practicing in the Magistrates Court conducting the full ambit of litigation and advocacy in cases from commencement to conclusion.

Candidate will be required to:

• Engage in client interaction on a daily basis either by telephone, video conferencing or in person.
• Engage in the preparation of case files.
• Attend court daily to represent clients in Plea (NGAP / GAP) courts, remand courts, contested trials and sentencing hearings.
• Engage in police station attendance and representation.
• Engage in litigation for Crown Court matters.
• Undertake out-of-hours work (Police Station and Saturday/Bank Holiday Courts) on a rota basis.

Remuneration package will include basic salary plus overtime and mileage once engaged on out-of-hours rota.

Skills

Personal Specification:

• Experience maintaining case files via a computerised case management system. Compliance with SQM (Specialist Quality Mark) and internal transaction criteria.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Competent drafting of all types of legal documents.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to apply law to fact.
• Competent negotiating skills (both written and oral).
• Confidence in delivering coherent, robust, reliable advice to clients. Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Windows 10. Full UK Driving Licence desirable (out‑of‑hours travel) but not essential.

Knowledge

Candidate will be a solicitor with a current practising certificate and have obtained CLAS accreditation as a Duty Solicitor.

All levels of PQE will be considered.

We will also accept applications from CILEX accredited individuals who have the appropriate advocacy certificate and CLAS (Duty) accreditation.

Comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and its constituent elements. Understanding of criminal legal aid applications process.

Understanding of rules of conduct and client confidentiality.

Application

If you wish to apply please attach a CV and covering letter.

If you would like to know more about this vacancy you may wish to contact either our practice manager or the Department Manager, Steve Ramsell for an informal and confidential chat.