NQ Solicitor / Retrain Role

Michael Page Legal; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service pension (up to 28%)

Flexible working options

Structured training programme

25–30 days annual leave

Privilege day each year

Extensive learning & development

Job summary

Michael Page Legal is assisting a leading public sector legal organisation across Yorkshire with an NQ Solicitor and Retraining opportunity, offering an excellent entry point into criminal advocacy for lawyers approaching qualification.

You'll represent the prosecution in Court, develop advocacy skills from day one and benefit from a structured training programme designed to build expertise and accelerate your career.

Qualifications

• Eligible legal professional with practising certificate by October 2026.
• Newly qualified or retraining into criminal law.
• Motivated by public service and local impact.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Interested in advocacy and court work.

Responsibilities

• Representing the prosecution in Magistrates' Court proceedings across a wide range of criminal matters
• Reviewing evidence, preparing cases and making prosecution decisions in summary and either way offences
• Advising police and investigators on criminal casework and evidential issues
• Working closely with victims, witnesses, court staff, defence lawyers and other justice partners
• Developing advocacy, decision making and legal analysis skills through a structured training programme

Skills

Advocacy

Legal reasoning

Courtroom communication

Public service mindset

Education

Qualified by Oct 2026

Job description

NQ Solicitor and Retraining opportunity based across Yorkshire. This is an excellent entry point into criminal advocacy for lawyers approaching qualification, newly qualified solicitors, barristers and legal professionals looking to move into criminal law.

You'll represent the prosecution in Court, develop advocacy skills from day one and benefit from a structured training programme designed to build expertise and accelerate your career.

Client Details

Our client is a leading public sector legal organisation responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and supporting the criminal justice system across England and Wales.

Known for its commitment to professional development, public service and career progression, the organisation offers one of the few genuine opportunities for lawyers to retrain into criminal law while receiving structured support and advocacy training.

Description

• Representing the prosecution in Magistrates' Court proceedings across a wide range of criminal matters
• Reviewing evidence, preparing cases and making prosecution decisions in summary and either way offences
• Advising police and investigators on criminal casework and evidential issues
• Working closely with victims, witnesses, court staff, defence lawyers and other justice partners
• Developing advocacy, decision making and legal analysis skills through a structured training programme

Profile

• A solicitor, barrister or eligible legal professional able to hold a practising certificate by October 2026
• Newly qualified, approaching qualification, or interested in retraining into criminal law
• Motivated by public service and making a positive impact within local communities
• A strong communicator with sound legal reasoning and analytical skills
• Interested in advocacy, court work and ongoing professional development

Job Offer

• Salary of £44,520 in Yorkshire locations
• Civil Service pension contribution of up to 28%
• Permanent opportunity with full time, part time and flexible working options considered
• Comprehensive induction and structured four month training programme
• Daily advocacy experience and significant stakeholder exposure from the outset
• Clear progression routes into Senior Crown Prosecutor, Crown Advocate and Legal Manager positions
• 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days after five years
• Additional privilege day each year
• Competitive family leave policies
• Access to extensive learning and development programmes