Job Description
Duty Solicitor / Criminal Defence Solicitor
Location: Essex
Salary: £35,000 – £55,000 + DOE /PQE
Out-of-Hours Bonus Structure & Direct Partnership Track
Are you a Qualified Duty Solicitor or accredited Criminal Defence Solicitor seeking to advance your advocacy career within a Legal 500-ranked criminal defence practice across Essex? Our client is a prestigious, specialist criminal law firm with multiple strategic offices throughout Essex. Experiencing continued expansion due to sustained caseload demand, they are seeking a dedicated Duty Solicitor (or ambitious NQ Solicitor with Police Station Accreditation) to join their award-winning team, handle complex criminal matters, and step into a transparent progression framework.
The Opportunity
In this key fee-earning position, you will join an elite team of criminal defence practitioners representing clients across all aspects of criminal law. Managing files from initial police station detention through to court representation, you will deliver robust advocacy at Magistrates' Courts and prepare complex Crown Court proceedings. Designed for a practitioner committed to legal aid and private client defence, this role offers high operational autonomy, mentorship from recognized Partners, and structured financial support to obtain Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) or progress toward Partnership.
Key Responsibilities & Requirements
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Qualifications & Accreditation: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) holding Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation / Duty Solicitor Status (or an NQ Solicitor with full Police Station Qualification / PSAS accreditation actively working toward Duty status).
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Police Station & PACE Representation: Extensive experience managing police station attendances, advising clients during PACE interviews, making bail representations, and handling out-of-hours rota duties.
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Court Advocacy & Litigation: Confident advocacy skills in Magistrates' Courts, combined with meticulous case preparation for summary trials, committals, and Crown Court litigation (Higher Rights of Audience is highly desirable).
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Client Care & Crisis Management: Outstanding communication skills with the resilience to manage sensitive, high-pressure criminal cases and deliver clear, decisive legal advice to vulnerable clients.
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Full UK Driving Licence: Must hold a valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle to cover police stations and courts across Essex.
Package & Working Structure
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Competitive Base Remuneration: £35,000 – £55,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with Duty qualification, HRA status, and overall criminal fee-earning experience).
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Out-of-Hours & Performance Bonuses: Generous, transparent bonus payments for out-of-hours police station attendances and performance-related outcomes.
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Flexible Working & Hours: Full-time or part-time options available, supported by flexible working practices across modern Essex office locations.
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Comprehensive Benefits: Enhanced employer pension scheme, full professional indemnity insurance cover, season ticket loans, legal expenses insurance, and travel/mileage allowances for court travel.
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Career Trajectory & HRA Support: Meritocratic progression pathways to Partner level, alongside fully funded training for Higher Rights of Audience and specialist criminal sub-disciplines.
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Leave & Culture: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service), study leave allocation, and regular firmwide social events.
How to Apply
To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.