Criminal Defence Solicitor

eNL; Hayes End; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

eNL in London is seeking a Criminal Defence Solicitor (NQ+), with all PQE levels considered, to join a specialist practice in a hybrid role. The salary ranges from £40,000 to £60,000 DOE, with a genuine career development path toward Duty Solicitor accreditation.

You will manage a varied caseload, provide strategic advice, attend police stations, and represent clients in court. The firm values client care, advocacy, and a collaborative approach to complex criminal matters.

Qualifications

• Strong advocacy, case management and client care skills are essential.
• Experience in criminal defence is advantageous.
• Ambition to progress towards Duty Solicitor accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of a varied criminal defence caseload across all stages of the process.
• Provide strategic legal advice and build trusted client relationships.
• Attend police stations and represent clients in court.
• Develop advocacy and case management skills while working toward Duty Solicitor status.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support the growth of the practice.

Skills

Criminal defence

Court advocacy

Client care

Job description

CRIMINAL DEFENCE SOLICITOR, NQ+ (ALL LEVELS PQE CONSIDERED), LONDON, £40,000 - £60,000 DOE

A Criminal Defence Solicitor is sought for a specialist practice in London, offering a salary of £40,000 to £60,000 depending on experience. This full-time, hybrid remote position welcomes newly qualified and experienced solicitors at all PQE levels. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload, representing clients throughout every stage of the criminal justice process, including complex and high-end matters. Strong advocacy, case management and client care skills are essential. The firm supports progression towards Duty Solicitor accreditation, making this a genuine career development prospect within a growing team.

OVERVIEW

• Take ownership of a dynamic and varied criminal defence caseload, representing clients across all stages of the criminal justice process. You will have the opportunity to work on an exciting mix of criminal matters, gaining exposure to some of the more challenging and high-end aspects of criminal law.
• From providing strategic legal advice and building trusted client relationships to attending police stations and representing clients in court, you will play a key role in delivering robust representation and achieving the best possible outcomes for your clients.
• You will be encouraged to develop your expertise and build your confidence as a criminal practitioner, with genuine opportunities to strengthen your advocacy and case management skills while working towards Duty Solicitor status.
• Joining a close-knit, specialist criminal defence team, you will work collaboratively with experienced colleagues, play an active role in the development of the practice, and contribute to its continued success and growth.
• We are keen to hear from qualified Solicitors at all stages of their career, from ambitious newly qualified practitioners looking to establish themselves in criminal defence through to more experienced Solicitors seeking their next challenge.
• A genuine passion for criminal law and a clear ambition to achieve Duty Solicitor accreditation are essential. Previous experience in criminal defence would be highly advantageous, as would Police Station Accreditation.
• Most importantly, you will bring enthusiasm, commitment, and a genuine desire to build a long-term career within criminal defence.
• You will be a confident, personable, and motivated individual with excellent communication, client care, and organisational skills, bringing a proactive approach to your work and a genuine enthusiasm for developing your technical expertise and advocacy capabilities.
• In return, you will join a supportive and collaborative working environment where your development is encouraged, your contribution is valued and there is real scope to build and progress your career.

An almost immediate start is available for the successful candidate.

Job Ref: 215306062

At eNL we value diversity and inclusion. We want to attract people at all levels and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates whatever their ethnicity, religion, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristics protected by law in the jurisdictions in which we operate.