Duty Solicitor

LJ Recruitment; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

LJ Recruitment is supporting a long-established law firm seeking a recently qualified Duty Solicitor to join its criminal defence team in County Durham or North Yorkshire. The role covers Magistrates' Court and Police Station work within a supportive Criminal Justice Department.

The successful candidate will provide high-quality legal advice and representation, build client relationships and progress cases efficiently in a busy, reputable practice.

Qualifications

• Eligible solicitor with Duty Solicitor accreditation and interest in criminal defence.
• Experience or exposure to Police Station and Magistrates' Court work.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload with professional client care.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and representation to clients at the Police Station.
• Represent clients in Magistrates' Court proceedings.
• Manage a varied caseload of criminal defence matters.
• Provide clear, professional and timely legal advice.
• Prepare cases effectively and ensure matters are progressed efficiently.
• Build strong relationships with clients and provide excellent client care.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Criminal Justice Department.
• Maintain high professional and regulatory standards.
• Develop skills within a busy criminal defence practice.

Skills

Advocacy

Communication

Under pressure

Independent yet team player

Education

Solicitor qualification

Duty Solicitor accreditation

Job description

Duty Solicitor - Criminal Defence

County Durham or North Yorkshire

Full-time | Permanent

Salary: Dependent on experience

Make Your Next Career Move with an Established Teesside Law Firm

Are you a recently qualified Duty Solicitor looking for an exciting opportunity to develop your career within a well-established and supportive criminal defence team?

We are recruiting on behalf of a long-established firm with a proud history, with offices across North Yorkshire and County Durham.

The firm has built its reputation on sound judgement, in-depth knowledge and excellent client care, and this is an excellent opportunity for a recently qualified Duty Solicitor to join a successful, busy and friendly Criminal Justice Department.

The Role

As a Duty Solicitor, you will support the Criminal Justice team across both the Magistrates' Court and Police Station, providing high-quality legal advice and representation to clients at important stages of the criminal justice process.

You will be joining an established department with genuine long-term prospects and the opportunity to work alongside experienced legal professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice and representation to clients at the Police Station
• Represent clients in Magistrates' Court proceedings
• Manage a varied caseload of criminal defence matters
• Provide clear, professional and timely legal advice
• Prepare cases effectively and ensure matters are progressed efficiently
• Build strong relationships with clients and provide excellent client care
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Criminal Justice Department
• Maintain high professional and regulatory standards
• Develop your skills and experience within a busy criminal defence practice

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Full-time, permanent position
• Genuine long-term career prospects
• The opportunity to join a successful and friendly Criminal Justice Department
• Support and development as you continue to build your career
• The opportunity to work within an established firm with a strong reputation across Teesside and South Durham

Who Are We Looking For?

• Qualification as a Solicitor and Duty Solicitor accreditation
• An interest in developing a career in criminal defence
• Experience or exposure to Police Station and Magistrates' Court work
• Strong advocacy and communication skills
• Excellent client-care skills
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities
• A professional, proactive and committed approach
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team

Join a Firm with a Long-Standing Reputation

Take the Next Step in Your Criminal Defence Career

If you're a recently qualified or experienced Duty Solicitor looking for a role offering genuine long-term prospects, professional development and the opportunity to join a successful and friendly team, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.