Crime Solicitor

Simpson Judge; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Judge in Birmingham City Centre is seeking a Crime Solicitor or Criminal Defence Lawyer to join a respected practice. You will manage a varied criminal defence caseload and provide robust client care and representation.

Based in a central location, the role offers access to the city’s courts and professional networks. The successful candidate will show experience in criminal defence and strong advocacy.

Qualifications

• Solicitor qualification or equivalent criminal defence experience.
• Experience handling criminal defence matters.
• Strong advocacy, communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage caseload independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage criminal defence matters from instruction to conclusion.
• Advise and represent clients at police stations and courts.
• Prepare case papers, evidence reviews and defence strategies.
• Interview clients, take instructions and explain complex matters.
• Liaise with counsel, courts and witnesses.
• Maintain accurate files and comply with SRA requirements.

Job description

Crime Solicitor / Criminal Defence Lawyer

Location: Birmingham City Centre

Salary: DOE

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Crime Solicitor or Criminal Defence Lawyer to join a respected legal practice based in Birmingham City Centre. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a dynamic team, handling a varied criminal defence caseload while delivering high-quality client care and robust legal representation.

Joining the team offers the opportunity to work on a varied criminal defence caseload, collaborate with experienced legal professionals and contribute to a practice that recognises the importance of protecting clients’ rights and ensuring access to justice.

Based in Birmingham City Centre, the role offers a central location with access to the city’s courts, professional networks and wider legal community.

The Role

The successful candidate will handle a varied criminal defence caseload, providing clear, strategic and commercially aware legal advice while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and client care.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing criminal defence matters from initial instruction through to conclusion.


• Advising and representing clients at police stations, magistrates’ courts and, where appropriately qualified, Crown Court proceedings.


• Preparing cases, reviewing evidence, identifying legal issues and developing effective defence strategies.


• Conducting client interviews, taking instructions and explaining complex legal matters in a clear and accessible manner.


• Preparing case papers, applications, representations and other relevant legal documentation.


• Liaising with counsel, courts, police, expert witnesses and other relevant parties.


• Managing deadlines, competing priorities and a busy caseload effectively.


• Maintaining accurate files and ensuring compliance with SRA requirements, legal aid regulations where applicable, and internal procedures.

About You

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Qualification as a Solicitor, or relevant experience as a criminal defence fee earner or lawyer appropriate to the position.


• Experience handling criminal defence matters and a sound understanding of criminal procedure.


• Strong advocacy, communication, negotiation and analytical skills.


• The ability to manage a caseload independently while recognising when to seek guidance.


• A professional, resilient and client-focused approach.