Eventus Legal are seeking a qualified Duty Solicitor to join a long-established and highly regarded law firm in Middlesbrough. This is a permanent, full-time job offering hybrid and remote working (with flexibility), a competitive salary of £45,000–£55,000 plus out-of-hours payments, and generous annual leave. The successful Duty Solicitor will join a close-knit and highly experienced Criminal Defence team with real prospects for career advancement, including the opportunity to work towards Higher Rights of Audience and potential progression to partnership.

Role Responsibilities

You will play a key part in the busy Criminal Justice department, representing clients across a wide range of criminal matters. The incoming Duty Solicitor will:

• Attend police stations and advise clients in accordance with LAA and PACE guidelines.
• Represent clients at Magistrates Court hearings and, where applicable, at Crown Court.
• Prepare and manage a diverse caseload of criminal defence matters, including trials and sentencing.
• Participate in the duty solicitor scheme and contribute to out-of-hours rotas (remunerated additionally).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure high-quality legal advice and representation is consistently delivered.
• Have the opportunity to work towards Higher Rights of Audience, if not already held.
• Play a key part in the continued growth and development of the department, with long-term opportunities for management and partnership.

Person Specification

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Criminal Solicitor with strong advocacy and client-handling skills. You will:

• Be a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with current Duty Solicitor status, or be working towards this.
• Have demonstrable experience in criminal defence matters including representation at police stations and Magistrates Court.
• Ideally hold (or be keen to achieve) Higher Rights of Audience.
• Have a proactive, professional, and client-focused approach to your work.
• Be confident working independently and within a team in a busy environment.
• Be passionate about access to justice and the representation of clients facing criminal proceedings.

This is an exciting career-enhancing opportunity for a Criminal Solicitor with Duty status or someone actively working towards it, to take on a client-facing, varied job with long-term development. Based in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, the firm offers hybrid working with remote options, making this job particularly attractive for those seeking flexibility alongside professional growth.

Benefits and Rewards

You will be joining a reputable, progressive law firm offering genuine prospects and a strong rewards package:

• Competitive salary of £45,000–£55,000 depending on experience, plus additional out-of-hours payments.
• Hybrid and remote working options for work-life balance.
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays.
• Opportunities to work towards Higher Rights and progress into partnership.
• A supportive and collegiate team environment in the Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire office.
• Secure long-term job with clear development prospects within a growing department.

This is an exciting career-enhancing opportunity for a Criminal Solicitor with Duty status or someone actively working towards it, to take on a client-facing, varied job with long-term development. Based in Middlesbrough, with other offices throughout the North-East, the firm offers hybrid working with remote options, making this job particularly attractive for those seeking flexibility alongside professional growth.

About the Company

This law firm has built an outstanding reputation for Criminal Defence, and continues to grow on the strength of its values: sound legal judgement, deep expertise, and exceptional client care. With several offices across Teesside and South Durham, the firm has been a pillar in the region’s legal community for over a century. Their Criminal Justice department is busy, respected, and staffed by highly experienced legal professionals. The firm’s ethos encourages progression, with the incoming Duty Solicitor welcomed into a team that values development and partnership.

Next Steps

Apply now to be considered for this career enhancing job opportunity. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion about this Duty Solicitor job, please send your CV to Amy Watson at the Eventus Recruitment Group via email at amy.watson@eventuslegal.com or phone 0113 418 2494.

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, HR, Finance and Accountancy 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.