NQ Criminal Defence Solicitor

Ignite Talent Group; Chester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Ignite Talent Group is recruiting a Newly Qualified Solicitor to join their expanding Crime team in Chester. You will handle a varied caseload including criminal matters for legal aid and privately funded clients, attend court hearings, represent clients at police stations, and gain exposure to advocacy with training support.

The role offers opportunities to progress cases efficiently, prepare precise documentation, and support senior lawyers within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• NQ solicitor with criminal law experience.
• Strong understanding of Criminal Law and court procedures.
• Excellent communication and client care skills.
• Ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines.
• IT proficiency and strong organisational skills.
• A proactive, team-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters for legal aid and privately funded clients.
• Attend court hearings and represent clients at police stations.
• Conduct advocacy in Magistrates Court with training and support.
• Manage caseload of Crown Court cases.
• Liaise with other solicitors, clients, courts and third parties.
• Progress cases efficiently and prepare clear documentation.
• Provide legal advice and support senior lawyers.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Expose yourself to interesting and complex cases.
• Work in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Skills

Newly Qualified Solicitor

Criminal Law

Court procedures

Communication

Client care

Task management

IT proficiency

Organisational skills

Team-focused

Education

Law degree / equivalence

Tools

Police station accreditation

Job description

Our client is seeking to recruit a Newly Qualified Solicitor for their expanding Crime team. This is a fantastic opportunity to launch your career in a supportive team environment, handling a varied caseload and gaining exposure to advocacy and client representation.

The role:

• Managing a varied caseload of criminal matters for a mix of legal aid and privately funded clients
• Attending court hearings and representing clients at police stations
• Conducting advocacy in Magistrates Court - training and support provided
• Managing a caseload of Crown Court cases
• Liaising with other solicitors in the team, clients, courts and third parties
• Progressing cases efficiently
• Preparing clear, accurate documentation and providing legal advice
• Supporting senior lawyers and contributing to team objectives
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards
• Exposure to interesting and complex cases
• A collaborative and supportive work environment

Essential skills:

• Newly Qualified Solicitor with experience of criminal law
• Strong understanding of Criminal Law and court procedures
• Excellent communication and client care skills
• Ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines
• IT proficiency and strong organisational skills
• A proactive, team-focused approach

Desirable accreditations:

• Police station Accreditation - training and support provided
• Willingness to work towards Duty Solicitor status