Average Criminal Solicitor salary in the UK

Criminal Duty Solicitor – Join a Respected Criminal Defence Team | Full-Time | Hybrid Are you a qualified and accredited Duty Solicitor with a passion for criminal defence work? Our client is currently looking for a dedicated Criminal Duty Solicitor to join its dynamic and supportive Crime Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to handle a broad range of criminal cases, represent clients in high-pressure situations and make a genuine impact on the lives of those navigating the justice system. What You'll Be Doing As a Criminal Duty Solicitor, you will: Provide immediate and effective legal advice to clients at police stations, including 24/7 out-of-hours coverageRepresent clients in Magistrates’ Court – handling bail applications, plea hearings, trials and sentencingManage a diverse caseload, including theft, drug offences, assault, domestic violence and public order offencesDraft key legal documents such as briefs to counsel, case summaries and witness statementsCommunicate clearly with clients, guiding them through their legal proceedings with professionalism and careLiaise with key agencies such as the CPS, police, courts and probation servicesEnsure compliance with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements and maintain accurate file recordsSupport junior team members including trainees and paralegals, as requiredStay up to date with developments in criminal law and legal aid regulations Requirements of the role: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with a valid Practising CertificateDuty Solicitor Accreditation under the Legal Aid Agency’s Criminal Litigation Accreditation SchemeSolid experience in criminal defence and confident court advocacy skillsKnowledge of current criminal law and proceduresAbility to manage an independent caseload in a fast-paced environmentWillingness to participate in evening and weekend duty rotasStrong communication skills and client-focused approachFull UK driving licence and access to a vehicle Why Join? Competitive salary + duty rota enhancementsA collaborative and supportive criminal law teamOpportunities for ongoing training and professional developmentHybrid working and flexible arrangementsClear progression path within a growing legal practice Apply Now If you're an experienced Duty Solicitor ready to make a difference, we want to hear from you. Apply with your CV today or contact Rebecca Healey at G2 Legal for more information and a confidential discussion. #INDCATN

An award-winning Legal 500 firm based in East London is seeking a Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor to join its established and dynamic criminal defence department. This is an excellent opportunity for a Criminal Solicitor at the beginning of their career to gain high-quality experience in a supportive and inclusive environment, where career development and client care are top priorities. The successful Criminal Solicitor will be joining a team that represents clients across East and South London, including at police stations and Magistrates' Courts. This firm is renowned for its commitment to legal aid, social justice, and defending the rights of the vulnerable. The appointed Criminal Solicitor will benefit from a culture of strong supervision, regular in-house training, and access to cross-departmental expertise, including mental health and youth crime specialists. The Criminal Solicitor's role The successful Criminal Solicitor will be responsible for representing clients during police interviews, court hearings, and the full preparation of cases for trial in both the Magistrates' and Crown Courts. The role will involve participation in the firm's out-of-hours rota, ensuring round-the-clock client support. You will be based in the Whitechapel office, working alongside a highly experienced and collaborative team. This is a client-facing position that demands sensitivity, efficiency, and excellent legal knowledge. You will be representing a wide range of clients, including vulnerable individuals and those facing complex legal challenges. The Criminal Solicitor Must be a Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload Passion for criminal defence work, particularly legal aid IT proficiency, especially with Microsoft Word In Return? £32,000 - £38,000 25 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus birthday off Bonus scheme and family/friends legal service discount Dedicated supervision and structured training programme Wellbeing initiatives and a genuinely supportive workplace If this sounds ideal for you, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

A highly respected law firm based in London is seeking a Criminal Defence Solicitor (NQ-3+ PQE) to join their award-winning Crime department. Recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, the team is known for its dedication to justice and consistent success in high-profile cases. This is an excellent opportunity for a Criminal Defence Solicitor looking to build their career alongside some of the UK's leading experts in the field. The successful Criminal Defence Solicitor will join a department committed to defending a diverse client base - from protesters to professionals, shoplifters to city traders. This role offers the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of cases, often at the cutting edge of criminal law. If you are a passionate and driven Criminal Defence Solicitor, this could be the next step in your legal career. The Criminal Defence Solicitor's role The Criminal Defence Solicitor will be responsible for managing their own varied caseload, including serious crime, protest law, fraud, and violent offences. You will attend police stations, Magistrates' Courts, and Crown Courts, as well as liaise with barristers and expert witnesses. You will be part of a collaborative team environment, delivering high-quality legal representation and maintaining the firm's excellent reputation in the criminal defence sector. The Criminal Defence Solicitor NQ to 3 years' PQE in criminal defence work Police Station Accreditation is essential Strong knowledge of criminal law and procedure Confident in managing your own caseload and appearing in court Committed to justice, fairness, and client representation Excellent communication and advocacy skills In Return? £38,000 - £52,000 High-profile and diverse caseload Learning and development support Collaborative and values-driven environment Real opportunity for career progression