Eventus Legal are seeking an experienced Duty Solicitor to join a nationally established, Legal 500-recognised law firm's Criminal Defence team in Leeds, West Yorkshire. This is a full-time, permanent job position with an advertised starting salary of £37,000 - £47,000 per annum, depending on experience, involving police station representation, independent Magistrates' Court advocacy and a varied criminal caseload. Alongside this, the package includes 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, additional birthday leave, employer pension contributions and optional healthcare, as well as structured opportunities for professional development and progression.

Role Responsibilities

The Duty Solicitor will play a central part in delivering high-quality criminal defence representation, from initial police station attendance through to court proceedings. Key responsibilities will include:

• Representing and advising clients detained at police stations, ensuring clear, timely advice throughout the investigation process.
• Managing a varied caseload of criminal defence matters, taking responsibility for preparation, progression and client communication.
• Conducting advocacy in the Magistrates' Court, including summary trials and other criminal hearings.
• Undertaking Crown Court advocacy where appropriate and where Higher Rights of Audience are held.
• Working closely with fellow criminal defence professionals to progress matters efficiently while maintaining a high standard of client care.

Person Specification

The successful Duty Solicitor will be a confident advocate with sound criminal procedure knowledge and a commitment to publicly funded legal services. You should also be able to demonstrate the following:

• Qualification as a Solicitor with at least 1 year PQE in criminal law.
• Experience in Magistrates' Court advocacy and the ability to manage a demanding criminal caseload with limited supervision.
• Strong client communication, advocacy and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with colleagues.
• Good IT skills and confidence using legal case management systems.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
• A professional, pragmatic and positive approach to client service and criminal defence work.
• Crime Duty Solicitor accreditation is desirable rather than essential; applicants who do not hold it must be willing to obtain accreditation.

Salary and Benefits

The firm offers the opportunity to develop a criminal defence career within a recognised practice, supported by experienced colleagues and established processes. The successful Duty Solicitor will also benefit from:

• An advertised starting salary of £37,000 to £47,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Flexible and hybrid working.
• 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• An additional day of birthday leave.
• A pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Optional Benenden Healthcare.
• Ongoing training, professional development and internal progression opportunities.
• Bi-annual staff events.
• Support from experienced criminal defence specialists across the wider practice.

About the Law Firm

Our client is a national, multi-service law firm with an established commitment to access to justice and a substantial publicly funded criminal defence practice. Its criminal law work is recognised by both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, with the wider practice handling matters ranging from police station investigations to complex court proceedings. The firm offers a supportive working environment, opportunities to learn from experienced specialists and a commitment to developing people from within.

Next Steps

Apply now to be considered for this career-enhancing job opportunity. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion about this Duty Solicitor job in Leeds, West Yorkshire, please send your CV to Vanessa Grey at the Eventus Recruitment Group via email at vanessa.grey@eventuslegal.com or phone 0113 418 2494 for a confidential discussion. Due to the high volume of applications, if you have not heard from us within ten days, unfortunately you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.

If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact me at the details above for a confidential discussion on your career.

The Eventus Recruitment Group are award-winning recruitment specialists operating in the Legal, Finance and Financial Planning sectors across the UK. Please note, the years' experience and/or salary are listed in our advertisements as a guide. We are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role. As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Our privacy policy can be found on the bottom of our website.