Duty Crime Solicitor

Simpson Judge Ltd; Coventry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected regional law firm in Coventry is seeking a qualified Criminal Solicitor to join their Criminal Defence team. The ideal candidate will manage their own caseload, support colleagues in serious cases, and possess strong knowledge of Criminal Law. The firm emphasizes work-life balance, offers career development opportunities, and provides a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

£500 bonus after probation

Supportive team culture

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Minimum of NQ-2 years PQE in Criminal Law.
• Experience managing full criminal defence caseload.
• Strong knowledge of legal aid processes.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in Magistrates’ Court and Police Stations.
• Prepare cases for Crown Court.
• Support business development and client retention.

Skills

Excellent communication

Advocacy skills

Organisational skills

Knowledge of Criminal Law

Legal IT systems competency

Education

Qualified Criminal Solicitor

Accredited Duty Solicitor (preferred)

Job description

Overview

Criminal Solicitor – Coventry & Leamington | Leading Regional Law Firm

A respected regional firm with a strong reputation in criminal law is looking to expand its Criminal Defence team across its Coventry and Leamington offices. This is an excellent opportunity for a Criminal Solicitor to join a supportive and well-regarded firm that values professionalism, integrity, and staff wellbeing.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a confident and driven Criminal Solicitor (ideally 2+ years PQE, though newly qualified candidates with the right level of training and ambition will also be considered) to manage their own caseload of criminal defence matters, while supporting senior colleagues on more complex and serious cases.

You’ll be joining a friendly, collaborative team with a clear vision: to treat both clients and colleagues with respect, deliver excellence in service, and uphold the highest standards of practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in Magistrates’ Court and Police Stations
• Prepare cases for Crown Court
• Act as an advocate in court across a variety of matters
• Participate in the Duty Solicitor scheme
• Provide police station representation (including out-of-hours)
• Travel as required to other offices, courts, and police stations across the region
• Work to professional and internal quality standards, targets and billing expectations
• Support business development and client retention through excellent client care and reputation

Candidate Profile

• Qualified Criminal Solicitor (NQ-2+ years PQE)
• Accredited Duty Solicitor (preferred)
• Experience managing a full criminal defence caseload
• Excellent communication, organisation, and advocacy skills
• Strong working knowledge of Criminal Law and legal aid processes
• Competent with legal IT systems
• Able to work independently and as part of a wider team
• Higher Rights of Audience (desirable but not essential)

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• £500 bonus after successful completion of probation (for direct applicants)
• Supportive team culture with a genuine focus on work-life balance
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Opportunity to work across multiple offices and a diverse range of cases

How to Apply

If you are looking to build your career in criminal defence with a firm that values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and salary expectations to: