Criminal Defence Solicitor Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your Criminal Defence Solicitor interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 16 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Criminal Defence Solicitor interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What are the main stages of advising a client at the police station?

Why they ask: The central day-to-day task of a duty solicitor.

2. What is the right to silence and how can a court draw adverse inferences?

Why they ask: The most common legal issue at the police station.

3. What powers do the police have to detain a suspect and for how long under PACE?

Why they ask: Detention time limits are fundamental.

4. Your client is arrested for assault, has been drinking heavily and is clearly intoxicated. The officer wants to interview now. What do you do?

Why they ask: Tests fitness for interview and the solicitor's protective role.

5. How does the court deal with mode of trial, and what is plea before venue?

Why they ask: Basic procedure in the Magistrates' Court.

6. What is the effect of an early guilty plea on sentence?

Why they ask: Always raised by clients and relevant to advice.

7. Tell me about a time you challenged weak or missing disclosure in a case.

Why they ask: Disclosure is a major defence battleground.

8. Why do you want to be a criminal defence solicitor?

Why they ask: Checks commitment to demanding, often undervalued work.

A sample answer to question 1

What are the main stages of advising a client at the police station?

I start by getting the details from the custody officer, checking the offence, arrest circumstances and any medical or vulnerability issues, then request disclosure from the investigating officer. I review it, such as the arrest account, any CCTV or the complainant's statement, so I can advise properly. I then have a private consultation, with an interpreter or appropriate adult if needed, explaining the allegation, the caution and the options for interview: answering questions, a prepared statement, or no comment. I take the client's instructions, test them against the disclosure and explain the risks of adverse inferences under sections 34 to 37 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. During the interview, I intervene if questions are unfair or outside the allegation, and afterwards I check the outcome, advising on charge, bail or release under investigation, and on cautions or other disposals. I record everything carefully on the attendance note.

Common mistake to avoid: Advising no comment as a default; failing to challenge poor disclosure

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Criminal Defence Solicitor interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.