Criminal Solicitor

Yolk Recruitment; Wales; On-site; GBP 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Cardiff is seeking a qualified Criminal Duty Solicitor to handle a varied caseload and represent clients at the Magistrates Court. This role offers a competitive salary up to £48,000 and genuine career progression opportunities within a dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year PQE and strong advocacy skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £48,000

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Additional day off for birthday

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year PQE as a Criminal Duty Solicitor.
• Duty accredited with experience at the Magistrates Court.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients at the Magistrates Court.
• Manage a varied caseload of criminal defence matters.
• Handle case preparation and file management.

Skills

Strong advocacy

Case management

Organisational skills

Empathy

Professionalism

Education

Qualified Criminal Duty Solicitor

Minimum 1 year PQE

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Criminal Duty Solicitor
Location: Cardiff

We are working with a leading and forward-thinking law firm who are seeking a Criminal Duty Solicitor to join their Cardiff office. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a firm recognised for its award-winning services, commitment to innovation, and strong community presence. The role offers a blend of high-quality criminal defence work alongside the chance to contribute to the growth of a department in a strategically important location.

Responsibilities

• Representing clients at the Magistrates Court and managing a varied caseload of criminal defence matters.
• Delivering proactive, compassionate, and professional client care at all times.
• Handling case preparation, file management, and advocacy with precision and efficiency.
• Managing time-recording, billing, and WIP reporting with a commercial approach.
• Playing a key role in the continued development and expansion of the firm\'s criminal law services in South Wales.
• Building strong working relationships with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders.

Experience/Qualifications

• Qualified Criminal Duty Solicitor with a minimum of 1 year PQE.
• Duty accredited with experience in representing clients at the Magistrates Court.
• Strong advocacy, case management, and organisational skills.
• A client-centred approach with the ability to balance empathy and professionalism.
• Full UK driving licence.

What you\'ll get in return

• Competitive salary up to £48,000, dependent on experience.
• Genuine career progression opportunities, with clear pathways for development.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• An additional day off to celebrate your birthday.
• The chance to join a firm recognised for its progressive culture, award-winning reputation, and commitment to employee well being.
• Opportunity to take an active role in business development and shaping the future of the department.

Why this firm?

This firm is known for its dynamic and supportive working culture, with a strong track record of developing legal talent and promoting from within. With a network of offices across South Wales and beyond, they combine local knowledge with a strong national reputation. Their focus on technology, growth, and client service excellence ensures you\'ll be joining a business that is moving forward, and where your career can move forward too.

Reach out to Nicole Smith today for a confidential chat to find out more.

Yolk Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our workforce. We employ the best people for the job at hand and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, educational background, parental status, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity at Yolk allowing our team to bring their whole selves to work.

*Please note, whilst we do our best to contact all candidates, due to the high number of applications we receive we cannot guarantee this for every role. If you have not heard anything from us within 7 days of applying - then unfortunately you have been unsuccessful. Please keep an eye on our website for more opportunities