Trainee Solicitor

FQPS Academy Ltd.; Wigan; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Stock Moran Swalwell Solicitors in Wigan is seeking a committed Trainee Criminal Defence Solicitor to join their team. You will handle cases from initial instruction through to conclusion, advise clients at police stations, and work closely with colleagues, counsel and agencies.

The role requires a recent law degree or equivalent, excellent communication, the ability to manage a demanding workload, attention to detail, and a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• Recently completed a law degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Strong interest in pursuing a career as a criminal defence solicitor.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to organize workload effectively and prioritise tasks under tight deadlines.
• Basic understanding of negotiation principles is highly desirable.
• Attention to detail and high levels of accuracy in document preparation and research tasks.
• Full UK driving licence

Responsibilities

• Advising and representing clients in criminal investigations and proceedings.
• Providing legal advice and representation at police stations.
• Preparing for court hearings.
• Managing a varied criminal defence caseload from initial instruction through to resolution.
• Interviewing clients, taking instructions, assessing evidence and advising on legal options and case strategy.
• Preparing case papers, statements, applications, legal submissions and other relevant documentation.
• Liaising with counsel, the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, courts and other relevant agencies.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case files and ensuring compliance with professional, regulatory and legal aid requirements, where applicable.

Skills

Communication skills

Workload management

Attention to detail

Proactive attitude

Education

Law degree or equivalent

Job description

Stock Moran Swalwell Solicitors is a specialist criminal defence firm based in the heart of Wigan, who have been representing clients across the North West of England for over 30 years. We are committed to providing high-quality, accessible and effective criminal defence services, supporting clients throughout every stage of the Criminal Justice System. Our approach is built on experience, professionalism, empathy, honesty and transparency, ensuring that every client receives clear advice and dedicated representation when they need it most.

Our team is led by 2 hugely experienced partners both of which are higher court advocates (criminal). They are supported by 2 duty solicitors and supervised graduate trainee solicitors who regularly represent clients at police stations and in court. We work collaboratively to deliver a consistent, client-focused service and achieve the best possible outcomes for those we represent.

We are seeking a committed and capable Trainee Criminal Defence Solicitor to join our team. This is an opportunity to develop your career within a specialist criminal defence practice, handling a varied caseload and providing practical, robust and empathetic legal support to clients.

The successful candidate will manage criminal defence cases from initial instruction through to conclusion, advise and represent clients at police stations and work closely with colleagues, counsel and other relevant agencies. You will be confident dealing with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, able to work effectively under pressure, and committed to maintaining high professional and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising and representing clients in criminal investigations and proceedings.
• Providing legal advice and representation at police stations.
• Preparing for court hearings.
• Managing a varied criminal defence caseload from initial instruction through to resolution.
• Interviewing clients, taking instructions, assessing evidence and advising on legal options and case strategy.
• Preparing case papers, statements, applications, legal submissions and other relevant documentation.
• Liaising with counsel, the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, courts and other relevant agencies.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case files and ensuring compliance with professional, regulatory and legal aid requirements, where applicable.

We are looking for a trainee solicitor who is passionate about criminal defence and committed to delivering an excellent standard of legal representation.

Qualifications

• Recently completed a law degree or equivalent legal qualification
• Strong interest in pursuing a career as a criminal defence solicitor with a keen desire to learn and grow professionally
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to articulate complex ideas clearly
• Demonstrated ability to organize workload effectively and prioritize tasks under tight deadlines
• Basic understanding of negotiation principles and techniques is highly desirable
• Attention to detail and high levels of accuracy in document preparation and research tasks
• Proactive attitude with the motivation to develop practical legal skills through hands-on experience
• Full UK driving licence

At Stock Moran Swalwell Solicitors, we recognise that clients often approach us at some of the most difficult and uncertain times in their lives. We value solicitors who combine sound legal knowledge and strong advocacy with empathy, integrity and a genuine commitment to their clients.

If you are looking to join a specialist criminal defence firm where teamwork, professional standards and client care are central to the way we work, we would welcome your application.

Pay: £25,500.00 per year

Will this role count as your QWE, and who will confirm it?

Check it against the SRA’s questions in two minutes. If there is no COLP or solicitor where you work, the SRA lets a solicitor outside confirm it: an FQPS solicitor can, from £149.