Duty Solicitor – Leeds

GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates; Leeds; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Positive working environment

Career development opportunities

Promotes from within

Job summary

GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates in Leeds is seeking Duty Solicitors to join our Crime Team. This full-time role offers the chance to represent clients in police stations and manage a range of criminal defence cases.

The ideal candidate will be a solicitor with at least 1 year’s PQE in criminal matters and excellent advocacy skills. The position offers a competitive salary between £37,000 and £47,000, with opportunities for career development in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 1 year's PQE in criminal matters required.
• Crime duty accreditation preferred but can be obtained post-hire.
• Ability to handle a demanding caseload with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients detained at police stations.
• Manage a caseload of criminal defence cases.
• Conduct advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court.

Skills

Excellent communication and advocacy skills

IT proficiency

Attention to detail

Team-building skills

Education

Solicitor with at least 1 year’s PQE in criminal matters

Job description

GT Stewart is a renowned multi‑service law firm committed to access to justice. Our lawyers specialise in criminal defence, family law, housing, civil liberties, and human rights. We are a Legal 500 and Chambers UK recommended firm, and we are currently recruiting Duty Solicitors to join our Crime Team in our Leeds Office.

This is a full‑time position within a dynamic and growing team, offering an excellent opportunity for professional development within an award‑winning law firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Representing clients detained at police stations
• Managing a caseload of criminal defence cases covering a full range of offences
• Conducting advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court, including summary trials (and Crown Court hearings if the candidate has Higher Rights)

About You

• Solicitor with at least 1 year’s PQE in criminal matters
• Crime duty accreditation is preferred but not essential (successful candidates without accreditation will be expected to obtain it)
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills
• IT proficiency and ability to work with case management systems
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload with minimal supervision
• Pragmatic, professional, and positive approach to work
• Passion for publicly funded legal work
• Strong attention to detail and confidence to work independently as well as in a team
• Excellent client and team‑building skills
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and remain calm under pressure

What We Offer

• A positive and supportive working environment
• Exposure to industry specialists and career development opportunities
• A team that prides itself on promoting from within
• Competitive salary dependent on experience starting between £37,000 - £47,000 per year.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your CV and covering letter to [e-mail].

(Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to respond to all candidates or provide individual feedback. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of the application deadline, you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.)