The traditional impression of a duty solicitor is a shabby looking individual who is the last resort to use, or alternatively that the duty solicitor is the police solicitor. Neither instance is true.
The Duty Solicitor Scheme is now more accurately called the Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme and is administered by the Law Society. All members of the scheme must reach a certain standard before they are admitted to it.
However, that is not to say that all duty solicitors are of an equal standard. As in any profession, the quality of the individual can vary. At Lawtons we run training courses for our lawyers to make sure that they are up to date with the changes.
We have also recruited some of the leading criminal solicitors and barristers/solicitor advocates in the region – a deliberate strategy to ensure we are able to offer an unrivalled service in the successful defence of your criminal case.
If you have used the duty solicitor at the police station you can still speak with us and we will be happy to take over conduct of your case. We can do this whether you have been bailed to return to the police station or you have been bailed to the magistrates’ court or the crown court.
Contact us for a free discussion about your options.
About the author
Nick Titchener, director and solicitor advocate of Lawtons, is a dedicated criminal solicitor with considerable experience in legal cases including sexual offences, violence and assault. Nick’s measured and methodical approach means he thrives on even the most complex case.
Nick also oversees the overall management of Lawtons Solicitors, a specialist firm of criminal law defence solicitors with branches across London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex.
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