Duty Solicitor - Criminal - #2081618

Our client, a leading legal aid practice located in the heart of Leeds, is seeking a dedicated and motivated Duty Solicitor to join their vibrant criminal defence team. Specialising across both Criminal and Family law, the firm is deeply committed to ensuring access to justice and high-quality legal representation for all individuals, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.

In this role, you will manage a varied and stimulating caseload, gaining exposure to a wide spectrum of criminal offences. Based in Leeds, you will attend local police stations and courts to provide robust, high-quality advice and representation to clients from all walks of life. Taking a proactive lead on your cases, you will work closely with clients to prepare accurate, thorough, and legally compliant defence strategies.

The successful candidate will be a fully qualified Solicitor with valid Crime Duty Accreditation and at least 1 year of Post-Qualified Experience (PQE). You must reside in Leeds or the surrounding West Yorkshire region, hold a valid UK driving licence, and have access to your own vehicle. Our ideal candidate possesses a genuine passion for publicly funded legal work, maintains high ethical standards, and feels entirely comfortable defending a diverse range of clients and cases. You should possess excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal matters in a highly professional, diplomatic manner.

Required Skills & Experience

• Qualified Solicitor with active Crime Duty accreditation. A minimum of 1 year of Post-Qualified Experience (PQE) in criminal defence.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with proven, strong advocacy abilities. A strong moral compass and a genuine commitment to legal aid work.
• Strong IT literacy, with the ability to effectively utilise digital case management systems. A pragmatic, methodical approach to managing a busy, high-volume caseload.
• A positive team player who is dedicated to seeing cases through from inception to completion. Outstanding independent working initiative alongside the ability to build strong rapport and trusted relationships with clients, counsel, and colleagues.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Represent clients detained at local police stations across a diverse range of offences and charges. Manage a comprehensive caseload of criminal defence matters across all levels of criminality.
• Conduct robust advocacy in the Magistrates' Courts, including summary trials. Provide clear, accurate, and timely updates to clients regarding the progression of their cases.
• (Optional) Candidates possessing Higher Rights of Audience will also have the opportunity to involve themselves in Crown Court hearings and trials.

Benefits & Why Choose Us

This position offers an excellent opportunity for growth-minded solicitors to expand their expertise and technical knowledge by handling a diverse array of challenging cases. You will be part of a team driving meaningful change, ensuring that those vulnerable or without private funding still receive first-class representation.

In addition to a competitive salary, the firm offers an excellent benefits package:

• Salary: £37,000 to £47,000 per annum.
• Holiday: 28 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Pension: Competitive company pension scheme.
• Culture: A supportive, positive, and dynamic working environment with a focus on collaborative teamwork.
• Technology: Access to advanced internal case management and digital infrastructure.
• Progression: A clear company culture of promoting from within, offering excellent career development paths, mentoring from industry specialists, and opportunities to diversify.