Crime Solicitor

I’m really excited to be partnering with a fantastic North West law firm on a key hire for its Criminal Defence team.

This is an opportunity for a Criminal Solicitor from NQ upwards who has a genuine passion for criminal defence, a desire to learn and develop, and the ambition to make their mark.

Perhaps you’ve had a brilliant training contract, gained some great experience in your criminal seat and are now qualified. You’ve built a solid foundation, know that crime is where you want to be, and are ready for more responsibility and the opportunity to keep pushing yourself.

What matters most here is what you can’t teach: passion, commitment and the desire to build a career in criminal defence.

You’ll be joining a supportive, collaborative team at a firm that genuinely invests in its people. There’s plenty of variety in the work, the chance to develop your own caseload and the opportunity to continue building your advocacy and client-handling skills.

What will you be getting involved in?

• Legal Aid and privately funded criminal defence matters

• Magistrates’ Court advocacy

• Crown Court work

• Police Station representation

• Building and managing your own caseload, with support as you develop

Who are they looking for?

• A Criminal Defence Solicitor, NQ upwards

• Someone with a genuine passion for criminal law and a clear desire to build their career in this area

• Good criminal experience gained during a training contract, criminal seat or subsequent role

• Strong communication skills and a real commitment to client care

• Someone proactive, organised and keen to take on responsibility

• A team player who is eager to learn, develop and contribute

Magistrates’ Court advocacy experience would be beneficial, and Police Station Accreditation would be an advantage. Duty Solicitor status is desirable, but a willingness to work towards it is also welcomed.

You don’t need to have every box ticked. They’re looking for someone with the right foundations, the right attitude and the enthusiasm to make the most of the opportunity.

What’s on offer?

• A very attractive package

• Excellent training and professional development

• Genuine opportunities for progression

• Hybrid working once established in the role

• The chance to grow your skills, take on more responsibility and make your mark within a supportive team

What excites me most about this opportunity is the potential for someone who knows criminal defence is where they want to be — someone who’s hungry to learn, ready to get stuck in and excited about what comes next.

If you’re an NQ or a more experienced Criminal Solicitor with the passion and drive to take that next step, I’d love to have a confidential chat.

You don’t have to be actively looking, and you certainly don’t need to have everything figured out. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to discover what your next chapter could look like.

Speak directly to Leanne Byrne, our Specialist Crime & Regulatory Senior Consultant at Clayton Legal.

☎️ 020 3965 9786
✉️ l.byrne@clayton-legal.co.uk