Crime Solicitor

North West | £30,000 - £50,000 DOE

Are you an NQ or recently qualified Solicitor looking to build your career in Criminal Defence?

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established, supportive and well-regarded Criminal Law team where you can develop your experience, build your confidence and take on increased responsibility over the next 2-3 years.

Having recently placed within the firm's Crime team, I've had some fantastic feedback about the working environment. My candidate described it as a genuinely happy workplace, with welcoming and kind colleagues, a professional and well-run operation, and a team where people support one another and pull together.

Sometimes, it's not just about the role - it's about finding the right environment to build your career. This is one of those opportunities!

The Role

You'll handle a varied criminal defence caseload, representing clients throughout the criminal justice process, with opportunities to develop your advocacy experience and broaden your exposure to criminal matters.

The firm is open to considering an NQ or someone with up to 1 PQE who has a genuine interest in building a long-term career within Criminal Defence.

What We're Looking For

• Newly Qualified to 1 PQE Solicitor.
• A genuine interest in Criminal Defence and a desire to develop within this area.
• Some experience of criminal defence work, ideally through a training seat, paralegal role or previous experience.
• A willingness to work towards Police Station Accreditation and Duty Solicitor qualification.
• Existing Police Station Accreditation would be a real advantage and strengthen your application.
• Good communication and client care skills.
• A proactive approach, enthusiasm to learn and the ability to work as part of a close-knit team.

You don't need to be Duty Solicitor qualified already. The firm is keen to invest in the right individual and support their development towards accreditation and qualification.

Career Development

This is more than simply filling a vacancy. The firm is making a strategic appointment and is keen to bring someone into the team who has the ambition and potential to progress.

Over the next 2-3 years, there is genuine scope to take on greater responsibility, develop your expertise and potentially move into a leadership position within the Crime department.

For someone ambitious who wants to grow with a firm rather than simply move from one job to another, this could be a fantastic next step.

The Working Environment

One of the real attractions here is the team itself.

The firm has an established workforce, with many long-standing members of staff, creating a stable, welcoming and supportive environment.

Feedback from someone who recently joined the Crime team has been exceptionally positive, describing it as everything they had hoped for - professional, well organised, friendly and a genuinely happy place to work.

Location & Flexibility

The firm is open to considering candidates from across the wider North West, including Manchester and Preston, with some flexibility around travel for the right individual.

Interested?

You might not have your Police Station Accreditation just yet, but if it's something you're keen to work towards, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

All conversations will be treated in confidence.

Speak directly to Leanne Byrne, our specialist Crime & Regulatory Business Manager at Clayton Legal.

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