Criminal Defence Solicitor

Yolk Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced leave

Pension

Top-ranked team

Quality work

Crown Court exposure

Training & development

Career progression

Supportive team

Develop own client base

Job summary

Yolk Recruitment is helping a well-established firm in Bristol recruit a Criminal Defence Solicitor. You will own a varied caseload, advancing cases from inception to completion while regularly representing clients and collaborating with senior colleagues.

The role offers strong progression in a growing practice, exposure to Crown Court advocacy, and the chance to broaden regulatory experience within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• 3+ PQE in criminal defence is required.
• Eligible for Duty Solicitor deployment.
• Ability to manage own caseload and provide client-focused service.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage a caseload from start to finish.
• Represent clients at all stages of their cases with advocacy and litigation.
• Attend Crown Court with Counsel for high-quality work exposure.
• Possibility to engage in regulatory work and broaden practice.
• Develop own client base and progression within a growing team.

Skills

Criminal defence

Advocacy

Caseload management

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

Opportunity: Criminal Defence Solicitor

Location: Bristol

Salary: Up to £85,000 + Bonus + Annual Profit Share

Looking for a criminal defence role where you can build your practice, take ownership of your work and be part of a team that is continuing to grow?

I'm working with a well-established and highly regarded South West law firm who are looking to add an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor to their Bristol team.

With a strong presence across the region, the firm has built an excellent reputation for providing specialist legal advice alongside a high level of personal client care. Its criminal and regulatory team is Legal 500 ranked and continues to expand, offering an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to develop their career within a growing practice.

The Role:

You'll join an established and supportive criminal and regulatory team, working closely with the Head of Department while having ownership of your own caseload.

Your work will involve representing clients throughout all stages of their cases, managing your own matters from start to finish and using your litigation and advocacy skills regularly. You'll also attend Crown Court with Counsel, giving you plenty of exposure to high-quality work and the opportunity to continue developing your advocacy experience.

There is scope to become involved in the regulatory side of the practice, making this a particularly interesting opportunity for someone who wants to broaden their expertise and work on a varied caseload.

As the department continues to grow, you'll have the opportunity to develop your own caseload and client base, with plenty of autonomy to shape your practice and clear opportunities to progress.

About You:

• You'll be a 3+ PQE criminal defence solicitor, eligible for immediate Duty Solicitor deployment and comfortable managing your own caseload.
• A client following would be advantageous but this isn't simply about bringing a book of business with you. The firm is keen to support someone who wants to develop their own client base and play a meaningful part in the continued growth of the practice.

What Is on Offer?

• Enhanced annual leave
• Pension
• Legal 500 ranked team
• High-quality criminal defence and regulatory work
• Strong Crown Court and advocacy exposure
• Ongoing training and development
• Clear progression opportunities
• Supportive, established team
• Support with developing your own client base

This is a great opportunity for someone looking for quality work, autonomy, flexibility, earning potential and long-term progression, while still having the support of an established and growing team.

Yolk Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our workforce. We employ the best people for the job at hand and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, educational background, parental status, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity at Yolk allowing our team to bring their whole selves to work.

*Please note, whilst we do our best to contact all candidates, due to the high number of applications we receive we cannot guarantee this for every role. If you have not heard anything from us within 7 days of applying - then unfortunately you have been unsuccessful. Please keep an eye on our website for more opportunities.