Criminal Defence Senior Associate or Legal Director

DWF Law LLP; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking a Criminal Defence Senior Associate Solicitor or Legal Director to join their Commercial Insurance team in London. This role involves managing high-profile criminal cases, achieving financial targets, and contributing to business development efforts. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of PQE in criminal defence and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

Flexible Benefits

Well-being Programs

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE in criminal defence/regulatory work.
• Experience in defending HSE prosecutions.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex cases and achieve financial targets.
• Develop business networks and assist in business development.
• Provide guidance to junior team members.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Technical Expertise

Education

Strong Academic Performance

Job description

Why join us?

Commercial Insurance – Criminal Defence Senior Associate Solicitor or Legal Director

The Commercial Insurance team at DWF provides high-quality commercial advice on a wide range of matters to insurers and their insureds. The Criminal Defence sub-team, probably the largest of its kind in the UK, is looking for a Criminal Defence Senior Associate Solicitor or Legal Director to join our sub-team, based in our London office.

The CDT has national coverage across the UK with experts in many classes of criminal investigations, prosecutions, and inquests, including high-profile inquest and D&O cases; defending motor prosecutions—routinely the more serious/fatal matters; defending HSE and Local Authority/Environment Agency prosecutions; and complex care home and CQC-related cases.

This presents an exciting opportunity to work within a busy national team handling interesting and high-profile cases across various sectors.

Responsibilities

Main Duties:

• Exhibit a high level of technical expertise and the ability to apply it commercially and professionally, achieving positive results on large and complex cases.
• Achieve individual financial targets in line with the sales plan.
• Understand client requirements and manage cases in accordance with service level agreements and best practices.
• Analyze risk and develop sound judgment to justify decisions to clients both internally and externally.
• Prioritize work effectively and maximize efficiency in working practices.
• Understand individual roles within the practice group and proactively seek to contribute to increased efficiency by developing a caseload appropriate to the level of technical and legal knowledge.
• Build internal and external relationships to develop business networks and understand the firm’s direction and client needs—playing an active role in business development, including writing articles, delivering presentations, and facilitating seminars.
• Develop increased levels of technical and commercial knowledge through training or supervised working practices.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Person Specification:

• Applicants will be considered from 5+ years PQE and must have a background in criminal defence/regulatory work, including defending HSE prosecutions.
• We are seeking candidates with strong overall academic performance.
• The candidate will have the ability to work well within the wider Commercial Insurance team, to self-motivate, and to provide guidance and support to more junior team members when required.
• The successful applicant will need to proactively assist in wider business development, for example by helping to deliver training and communicating relevant legal updates to clients.
• They will need excellent communication and organizational skills.

What we offer?

At DWF, we value offering a comprehensive rewards package that extends beyond a basic salary. Our commitment is to ensure that each team member feels valued and is rewarded throughout their tenure. Upon joining, you will have the opportunity to select from a diverse array of benefits, allowing you to tailor a package that aligns with your individual and family needs. In addition to standard benefits, we offer flexible benefits and robust well-being programs.

Our recruitment process maintains high standards of fairness and engagement, including comprehensive interviews and sometimes written assessments, assessment days, or presentations. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and provide any necessary adjustments or additional support.

About us

DWF is a global legal business providing complex, managed, and connected services. We empower our people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.