Crime Solicitor

Clayton Legal; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Excellent training and progression

Job summary

Clayton Legal is partnering with a North West law firm to recruit a Criminal Defence Solicitor from NQ upwards. You will handle Legal Aid and privately funded matters, participate in Crown Court work, and provide Police Station representation.

You will build your own caseload within a supportive, collaborative team that genuinely invests in its people. There is strong emphasis on passion for criminal defence, ongoing development, and a clear path for progression, with hybrid working once

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with a passion for criminal defence.
• Strong client care and communication skills.
• Proactive, organised and ready to take responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Handle Legal Aid and privately funded criminal defence matters.
• Represent clients in Crown Court and at Police Stations.
• Build and manage your own caseload with support as you develop.

Skills

Criminal Defence

Advocacy

Client Care

Communication

Team Player

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

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
• 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.

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.