Duty Solicitor

eNL Legal; Greater London; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

eNL Legal is seeking a Duty Solicitor with 1+ PQE to join its Criminal team in London. The role involves representing clients detained at police stations, delivering clear legal advice and handling a broad criminal defence caseload.

There are hands-on advocacy opportunities in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court for those with Higher Rights of Audience. The firm offers a supportive environment, ongoing professional development, and clear paths for progression within a growing Crime team.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with at least 1 year PQE in criminal law.
• Strong advocacy, communication and case management skills.
• Willing to obtain Duty Solicitor accreditation if not already held.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients detained at police stations and provide clear legal advice.
• Manage a varied criminal defence caseload across offences.
• Advocate in Magistrates' Court; Crown Court advocacy for those with Higher Rights of Audience.

Skills

Advocacy

Communication

Case management

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

DUTY SOLICITOR, 1+ PQE, LONDON, £37,000 - £47,000 DOE – JOB REF: 215305823

Join a Legal 500 and Chambers UK ranked law firm with a strong reputation across criminal defence. The firm is seeking a motivated Duty Solicitor to join its growing Criminal team, offering a varied caseload, ongoing professional development, and clear opportunities for career progression.

THE ROLE

You will represent clients detained at police stations, provide clear and effective legal advice, and manage a varied criminal defence caseload spanning a broad range of offences. The role offers hands-on advocacy opportunities in the Magistrates’ Court, including summary trials, with Crown Court advocacy for those qualified and authorised under Higher Rights of Audience. You will take ownership of cases from start to finish, ensuring thorough preparation, compliance with deadlines and high standards of client care, while working collaboratively within a supportive and growing Crime team.

THE CANDIDATE

You will be a qualified Solicitor with at least 1 year’s PQE in criminal law, supported by strong advocacy, communication, and case management skills. While Duty Solicitor accreditation is desirable, it is not essential, provided you are willing to obtain it. You will be confident managing a demanding caseload independently, preparing cases thoroughly and maintaining high standards under pressure. A proactive, pragmatic approach, excellent client care and a genuine commitment to publicly funded legal work are essential, alongside the ability to build strong client relationships and contribute effectively to a collaborative team.

THE FIRM

Join a Legal 500 and Chambers UK recognised law firm and become part of a dynamic, expanding criminal law team. You will benefit from a collaborative and supportive environment, work alongside experienced practitioners and industry specialists, and enjoy a firm-wide commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within. In return, you will receive a competitive salary commensurate with experience, ongoing professional development, and excellent opportunities for long-term 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.