Criminal Defence and Civil Litigation Solicitor (Hybrid)

William James Recruitment; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing & mental health support

Bonus recognition scheme (£250-£500)

Travel expenses covered

Flexible location: London or Midlands

Career development opportunities

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Solicitor for a hybrid role in Criminal Defence and Civil Litigation. Open to candidates in London or the Midlands, with travel across the UK and approximately one overnight stay per month.

The position targets a Solicitor with around 2 years PQE and strong criminal law credentials. You will handle privately funded criminal defence work alongside civil litigation matters, including contract disputes and general civil claims, with autonomy and ongoing

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with circa 2 years PQE (flexible for the right person).
• Strong criminal law experience essential.
• Civil litigation exposure highly desirable (e.g. contract disputes, civil claims, personal injury).
• Confident managing your own caseload independently.
• Excellent communication and client care skills.
• Comfortable with a hybrid working pattern and UK travel (approx. one overnight stay per month).
• Proactive, organised, and team‑focused.
• Confident managing relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals and privately paying clients.

Responsibilities

• Handle a diverse caseload across privately funded criminal defence and civil litigation.
• Work within a dynamic, supportive environment with autonomy and team collaboration.
• Travel nationwide with occasional overnight stays as required.

Skills

Criminal law experience

Civil litigation exposure

Caseload management

Client communication

Hybrid work adaptability

Travel readiness

High-net-worth client handling

Job description

Criminal Defence and Civil Litigation Solicitor (Hybrid)

• Hybrid working with flexibility across London or Midlands
• Specialist international firm & purely privately funded crime practice

• Hybrid working with flexibility across London or Midlands
• Specialist international firm & purely privately funded crime practice
• Role includes nationwide travel (one overnight stay per month)

The Role

Criminal Defence & Civil Litigation Solicitor – Hybrid Working - London or Midlands - REF: 9348951234AL

A leading international firm is seeking a motivated Solicitor (circa 2 years PQE) to join their established Crime and Civil Litigation team in their midlands or London office.

This role offers the chance to handle a diverse caseload, combining privately funded criminal defence work with a variety of civil litigation matters including contract disputes and general civil claims, and not limited to personal injury.

You will work within a dynamic, supportive environment where autonomy is encouraged, and you’ll be able to contribute positively to the team while continuing to build and strengthen your expertise.

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Solicitor with circa 2 years PQE (flexible for the right person)
• Strong criminal law experience essential
• Civil litigation exposure highly desirable (e.g. contract disputes, civil claims, general litigation, personal injury)
• Confident managing your own caseload independently
• Excellent communication and client care skills
• Comfortable with a hybrid working pattern and UK travel (approx. one overnight stay per month)
• Proactive, organised, and team‑focused
• Confident managing relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals and privately paying clients

The Benefits

• Hybrid working: average 3 days in office with 2 days from home
• Supportive, collaborative culture with a strong focus on wellbeing
• Exceptional exposure to high‑calibre, complex matters within an established international firm
• Exclusively privately funded work with high-net-worth clients
• Working hours 9:00-5:30pm
• Flexible location: London or Midlands preferred
• Quarterly Bonus Recognition scheme (£250-£500 cash)
• Wellness and Wellbeing Scheme offering Mental Health support
• Strong opportunities for career advancement and continued development
• Financial recognition for organic work with a percentage of new business brought in
• All travel expenses covered, including paid overnight accommodation where required

More About William James Recruitment

William James Recruitment is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy, partnering with leading law firms across the UK and internationally. We work with a range of highly regarded clients, including Legal 500-ranked firms, advising on senior and strategic appointments