Crime & Regulatory Lawyer 3-5 PQE

Anakin Seal Legal; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Anakin Seal Legal is seeking an experienced criminal defence solicitor to join its Crime & Regulatory team in London or Manchester with regular presence in London. You will manage a varied caseload from police station advice to trial preparation and advocacy in Magistrates' Court, with opportunities to handle Crown Court matters.

The role emphasises technical excellence, client care, and collaboration with senior team members on high-value cases in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Approximately 3-5 years' PQE in criminal defence.
• Magistrates' Court advocacy experience.
• Experience in Crown Court case preparation.
• Police Station Accreditation.
• Experience in a private practice environment (Legal 500-recognised firm or similar).
• Excellent written communication skills for persuasive submissions.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied criminal defence caseload from initial advice through to trial preparation.
• Provide representation and advocacy in the Magistrates' Court.
• Prepare complex Crown Court matters, including evidence review, legal research, case strategy development, and pre-trial preparation.
• Deliver expert advice to clients at the police station and throughout proceedings.
• Draft high-quality submissions, representations, applications, and correspondence.
• Handle high-pressure matters with professionalism and empathy, collaborating with senior team members on high-value cases.

Skills

Criminal defence

Magistrates' Court advocacy

Crown Court preparation/advocacy

Legal research

Written submissions

Police Station Accreditation

Job description

Location: London or Manchester (with regular presence in London)

Progressive law firm is seeking an experienced criminal defence lawyer to join its growing Crime & Regulatory team. This is an outstanding opportunity to work on a broad range of challenging and high-profile matters within a supportive and collaborative environment.

This role offers exposure to the full spectrum of criminal defence work, from police station representation and magistrates' court advocacy through to assisting with complex Crown Court cases.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

• Manage a varied criminal defence caseload from initial advice through to trial preparation.
• Provide representation and advocacy in the Magistrates' Court.
• Prepare complex Crown Court matters, including evidence review, legal research, case strategy development, and pre-trial preparation.
• Deliver expert advice and support to clients at the police station and throughout criminal proceedings.
• Draft high-quality written submissions, representations, applications, and correspondence.
• Handle sensitive and often emotionally demanding matters with professionalism, sound judgement, and empathy.
• Work closely with senior members of the team on complex and high-value cases while maintaining responsibility for their own caseload.

About You

Applications are welcomed from solicitors with:

• Approximately 3-5 years' PQE in criminal defence.
• Magistrates' Court advocacy experience.
• Proven experience in case preparation and assisting in Crown Court cases.
• Police Station Accreditation
• Experience gained within a respected private practice environment, ideally within a Legal 500-recognised firm or similar.
• Excellent case analysis, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to remain calm and organised when handling complex and high-pressure matters.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with experience producing persuasive legal submissions and representations.
• Regulatory law experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

The firm is looking for a lawyer who combines technical excellence with resilience, commercial awareness, and a genuine commitment to client care.

The Opportunity

This firm places significant emphasis on the development and progression of its people. Lawyers are given direct exposure to senior leadership, high-quality work, and genuine opportunities to influence the future direction of the practice.

With ambitious growth plans in place, this is an excellent time to join an organisation where career progression is actively encouraged and individual contributions are recognised and rewarded.

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious criminal defence solicitor seeking high-quality work, genuine career progression, and the chance to join a firm that places both its clients and its people at the heart of everything it does.