Duty Solicitor

ENL Legal Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

eNL is seeking a Duty Solicitor in Hertfordshire for candidates with 1+ year's PQE in criminal law. You will represent clients detained at police stations, provide expert advice and handle a varied criminal defence caseload.

The role covers Magistrates' Court advocacy, including summary trials, and Crown Court advocacy for those with Higher Rights of Audience. A competitive salary (£37,000–£47,000 DOE) is offered plus development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 1+ years' PQE in criminal law.
• Duty Solicitor accreditation preferred but not essential if willing to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients detained at police stations and provide expert legal advice.
• Manage a varied criminal defence caseload including Magistrates' Court advocacy and Crown Court advocacy for Higher Rights of Audience.
• Deliver high-quality representation and client care while meeting deadlines and maintaining case preparation.

Skills

Criminal defence

Advocacy

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

DUTY SOLICITOR, 1+ PQE, HERTFORDSHIRE, £37,000 - £47,000 DOE – Join a Legal 500 and Chambers-ranked firm championing access to justice, where you will handle a varied criminal defence caseload, sharpen your advocacy skills and progress within a dynamic, award-winning Crime team - JOB REF: 215305831

OVERVIEW

• You will represent clients detained at police stations, provide expert legal advice and manage a varied criminal defence caseload. The role includes Magistrates' Court advocacy, including summary trials, and Crown Court advocacy for those with Higher Rights of Audience.
• You will manage cases independently, ensure files are thoroughly prepared and deadlines are met, deliver high-quality representation and client care, and collaborate within a supportive and growing Crime team.
• The successful candidate will be a qualified Solicitor with 1+ years' PQE in criminal law. Duty Solicitor accreditation is preferable but not essential provided that you are willing to obtain it.
• You will have strong advocacy, communication, and case preparation skills, with the confidence to manage a demanding caseload independently and remain calm under pressure. IT proficient with excellent attention to detail, you will be proactive, pragmatic, and professional, with a genuine commitment to publicly funded legal work, outstanding client care, and the ability to build effective relationships while working both independently and collaboratively.
• You will benefit from a competitive salary based on experience, a supportive working environment, and the opportunity to learn from experienced criminal law practitioners and industry specialists with ongoing professional development and clear opportunities for career progression.

At eNL we value diversity and inclusion. We want to attract people at all levels and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates whatever their ethnicity, religion, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristics protected by law in the jurisdictions in which we operate.