Crime Solicitor

Clayton Legal; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading, employee-owned law firm in Leeds City Centre is seeking a Criminal Defence Solicitor to manage Dangerous Dog Act cases and provide exceptional legal defence. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of PQE in criminal law and strong advocacy skills. This role offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and the opportunity to impact the firm and clients positively in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Annual profit share scheme

Private health insurance

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

5% employer pension contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Ideally 2+ years PQE in criminal law.
• Experience or strong interest in Dangerous Dog legislation.
• Organised and proactive with excellent IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage criminal defence caseload with focus on Dangerous Dogs Act.
• Provide advice and advocacy in complex matters.
• Represent clients at police stations and courts.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Client care skills

Advocacy

Case management

Communication skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Criminal Defence Solicitor

Location : Leeds City Centre | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid Working Available

We’re delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a leading, employee‑owned law firm in the heart of Leeds City Centre. This is an exciting opportunity for a Criminal Defence Solicitor to join a specialist team handling Dangerous Dog Act cases and wider criminal defence work.

If you’re looking for a role with genuine work‑life balance, exceptional benefits, and the chance to make a real impact in a supportive environment – this could be the perfect next step in your career.

The Role

You’ll manage a varied criminal defence caseload, with a strong focus on :

• Dangerous Dogs Act cases, including prohibited breeds and dogs dangerously out of control.
• Representation at police stations, Magistrates’ Courts, and Crown Court.
• Providing high‑quality advice and advocacy in complex, sensitive matters.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues while also managing your own files independently.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) – ideally with 2+ years PQE in criminal law (negotiable depending on experience).
• Experience or strong interest in Dangerous Dog legislation and animal‑related criminal defence work.
• Confident advocate with excellent case‑management and client care skills.
• Organised, proactive, and able to work well under pressure.
• Excellent IT, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Why Join This Firm?

This is an employee‑owned firm, meaning every member of staff shares in the firm’s success and has a voice in shaping its future. They truly value their people and offer some of the most generous benefits in the market :

Benefits Include

• Annual profit share scheme (tax‑free up to £3,).
• Holiday entitlement starting at days, rising to with service (plus bank holidays).
• Private health insurance (after 1 year).
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (after 2 years).
• 5% employer pension contribution (6% for Partners).
• / 7 Employee Assistance Programme, including free counselling.
• Paycare Health Cash Plan (optical, dental, and health costs).
• Discounted travel schemes and interest‑free loans for annual bus / train passes.
• Free conveyancing and free will after 1 year’s employment.
• Regular social events including summer BBQs and Christmas parties.
• Professional development support and funded memberships.

Salary

Competitive and dependent on experience. Please include your current salary and expectations when applying.

Apply Now

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Criminal Defence Solicitor looking to develop expertise in Dangerous Dog Act cases while joining a progressive, supportive, and people‑first law firm in Leeds City Centre.