Criminal Solicitor / Duty Solicitor

About the role

Job Hours: Full Time (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)

(Flexible working hours are available upon discussion at interview). Additional ‘on call’ shifts will be available on a rota system.

Job Location: Based predominantly at our Burnley or Preston office.

Burnley Office
4a – 6a Hargreaves Street, Burnley BB11 1ES

Preston Office
68 Glovers Court, Preston PR1 3LS

Remote/Hybrid/In Office: In Office

Salary: Competitive salary, negotiable depending on experience

We are looking for a newly qualified Solicitor / Duty Solicitor to join our criminal department. You will manage your own criminal defence caseloads, representing clients throughout proceedings and providing clear legal advice across all criminal defence matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake criminal defence work
• Work collaboratively with the other members of the criminal team, supporting matters where required.
• Provide legal advice to clients
• Represent clients at police stations and court hearings
• Out of hours duty police station rota.

Candidate Requirements:

We are looking for applicants who have the following qualifications and can demonstrate:

Essential:

• Qualified solicitor
• Excellent communicator, with the ability to advise and communicate clearly with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Willingness to manage your own caseload with support, while working effectively as part of a team.
• Proactive and flexible approach to client matter progression.
• Good standard of computer literacy and keyboard skills
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Full driving licence and access to car.

Desirable:

• Duty qualification is desirable but not essential. Training will be considered for the right candidate

Benefits & Rewards:

The most valuable part of our business is our people. We provide the following benefits* alongside a friendly working environment that allows our team to flourish.

• Competitive Salary
• 22 days’ annual leave per annum, with an additional 3 days at Christmas plus Bank Holidays*
• 1 Extra day’s Holiday for your birthday (applicable if your birthday falls on a normal working day and after one year’s completion of service)
• Workplace pension
• Off-site paid parking
• Regular team social events
• Flexible working arrangements*

*Some benefits are subject to eligibility.

Closing date: 01.12.2026

How to apply:

No agencies, we will not accept applications from any agency.

To apply please email your CV along with a short cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you feel you would be a good fit for the role to Emma Jackson (Practice Manager): ejackson@southernslaw.co.uk

Alternatively, you can apply online below.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive, motivated Solicitor to join a friendly team.