Duty Solicitor vs Police Station Representative
Understanding the differences in qualification, scope of work, and how duty solicitors and accredited reps deliver police station advice under legal aid.
Last updated: 1 June 2026 · Author: Robert Cashman, Duty Solicitor & Higher Court Advocate
Who this guide is for
Suspects wondering who will attend; candidates choosing between PSRAS and the solicitor route; firms structuring cover. At custody, both roles provide full police station advice — the differences are qualification, court scope, and duty rota access.
The key difference
Both can advise suspects at the police station under PACE. Duty solicitors are qualified solicitors who may sit on the duty rota and represent clients in court. Accredited reps qualify through PSRAS, work under solicitor supervision, and focus on police station work — they cannot conduct court proceedings.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Duty solicitor | Accredited rep |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | SQE/LPC route + admission; Police Station Qualification (PSQ) or CLAS for duty work | PSRAS: written test, portfolio, Critical Incidents Test (CIT) |
| Regulation | Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) | PSRAS (SRA-authorised scheme; Cardiff University & Datalaw assess) |
| Police station advice | Full representation at custody | Full representation at custody (supervised) |
| Duty rota | Can be named on the duty solicitor rota (subject to contract & PSQ/CLAS) | Not on the duty rota; attends when instructed by a firm or duty solicitor |
| Court work | Magistrates' and Crown Court (with appropriate rights) | Police station only |
| Typical timeline | Several years via SQE/apprenticeship | Often 12–18 months from enrolment to full accreditation |
| Employment | Employed, partner, or consultant at a crime firm | Often freelance, covering multiple firms on rota |
What is a duty solicitor?
A qualified solicitor whose firm holds a crime contract and who meets duty solicitor requirements under the Standard Crime Contract 2025 (including Police Station Qualification or CLAS, and rolling activity requirements). When a suspect requests the duty solicitor, the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC) contacts the firm on rota for that area and time slot.
What is an accredited representative?
A non-solicitor accredited through PSRAS after written assessment, supervised portfolio, and the Critical Incidents Test. Reps appear on the Police Station Register and attend when instructed by a contract-holding firm — they are not named on the duty rota themselves.
How they work together
- The duty firm receives the DSCC call and allocates attendance.
- Straightforward matters may be sent to an accredited rep; complex cases may be attended by the duty solicitor.
- Many firms use reps for volume cover across stations and hours.
- The supervising solicitor retains responsibility for the advice given.
Which career path?
Become a solicitor if…
- You want court work as well as police stations
- You want direct duty rota status
- You are committed to the SQE or transitional route
Become a rep if…
- You want to focus on police station work
- You prefer a 12–18 month competence-based route
- Freelance flexible cover appeals to you
Frequently asked questions
Does the suspect get worse advice from a rep than a solicitor?+
At the police station, accredited representatives are assessed to the same competency standard for custody work. Both must meet PSRAS or solicitor qualification requirements. Complex cases may still be attended by a duty solicitor.
Can a rep become a solicitor later?+
Yes, but you would need to complete the solicitor qualification route (SQE or transitional LPC) and qualifying work experience. Many reps remain specialists in police station work.
Why do firms use representatives instead of solicitors?+
Reps allow firms to cover more stations and hours cost-effectively. The supervising solicitor retains professional responsibility. This is standard in legal-aid criminal defence.
Can I request a solicitor instead of a rep?+
You can ask for your own named solicitor. If the firm sends an accredited rep, that is how they deliver the service. For duty solicitor cases, the duty firm decides who attends — you cannot insist on a solicitor rather than a rep.
Related guides
Sources & further reading
Links are to official publishers (legislation, gov.uk, CPS, LAA, Sentencing Council). Case law on this site is limited to entries in our verified case-law registry. Always confirm the current version before relying on it in live advice.
Need help?
Find an accredited police station representative or get in touch.