Duty Crime Solicitor

Simpson Judge Ltd; Sparkbrook; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional law firm in England is seeking a Criminal Solicitor to join their expanding Criminal Defence team. This role offers a competitive salary, a supportive team culture, and opportunities for ongoing training and career development. Candidates with 2+ years PQE or newly qualified solicitors with ambition will be considered. The firm emphasizes work-life balance and professional integrity.

Benefits

Competitive salary

£500 bonus after probation

Ongoing training opportunities

Work-life balance focus

Qualifications

• Experience managing a full criminal defence caseload.
• Strong working knowledge of legal aid processes.
• Able to work independently and part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in court and at police stations.
• Prepare cases for Crown Court.
• Support business development through excellent client care.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Advocacy skills

Knowledge of Criminal Law

Legal IT competency

Education

Qualified Criminal Solicitor (NQ-2+ years PQE)

Accredited Duty Solicitor

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: