Duty Solicitor

About Us

Tuckers Solicitors are a leading Legal Aid and Private Client criminal defence firm with a history dating back to 1984.

Our nationwide team of expert lawyers provides high-quality legal representation, successfully defending clients across a full range of criminal offences.

We are recognised by Chambers, The Legal 500 and Spears 500 for our dedication to excellence and integrity. We are an award-winning firm, with accolades including Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year, Justice Human Rights Lawyer of the Year, and The Law Society's Solicitor of the Year Award.

We are proud that our partners include the current president of the law society and past presidents of the Birmingham, Kent and Manchester law societies, as well as presidents of the London, and The West London criminal law courts solicitor’s association.

While we are a well-established business, we are entering an exciting period of transformation and growth, bringing the dynamic energy of a start-up to our operations.

We are looking for an experienced South London based Crime Duty Solicitor. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong criminal defence expertise to make an impact in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide expert representation for clients at police stations, Magistrates’ Court, and Crown Court hearings.
2. Manage a varied caseload involving general crime, including offences such as theft, drugs, violence, sexual offences, and fraud.
3. Covering Litigation – Serious crime matters.
4. Conduct advocacy at Magistrates’ Court, prepare legal arguments, and advise clients on criminal matters.
5. Attend police stations to provide advice and representation to detained clients as part of the duty solicitor rota.
6. Draft legal documents, interview witnesses, and prepare case files to a high professional standard.
7. Ensure all file handling is compliant with firm policies, LAA regulations, and SRA standards.
8. Liaise effectively with barristers, clients, and external agencies to progress cases efficiently.
9. Contribute to the continuous improvement of casework processes, communication, and service delivery across the firm.
10. Represent both own clients and duty clients at police station.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

1. We would welcome candidates with a CILEX/Barrister background.
2. Excellent advocacy and client communication skills.
3. High level of legal judgment and professionalism.
4. Flexibility to handle emergency police station callouts and court work.
5. Strong case preparation and legal drafting skills.
6. Excellent time management and organisational abilities.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

1. Duty Solicitor Accreditation.
2. Police Station Qualification (PSQ).
3. Minimum 1 years PQE in criminal defence.
4. Experience across a wide range of criminal cases including both Magistrates’ and Crown Court work.
5. Solid knowledge of criminal procedure, evidence, and relevant case law.
6. Proficiency in case management systems and legal research tools.

Working Arrangement

1. Full-time – Monday to Friday.
2. Hybrid setup – 4 days in the office, 1 day working from home (where court and police station schedules permit).

Why Join Us?

1. Gain valuable experience in a leading law firm.
2. Work with a supportive and dynamic team.
3. Market leading case management system.
4. Be part of a forward-thinking firm entering an exciting phase of transformation.

Equal Opportunities

Tuckers Solicitors is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees.