Criminal Defence Solicitor

Clear Legal & Financial Recruitment; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Death in service (3x salary)

Generous holiday allowance

Training & development

Supportive environment

Job summary

Clear Legal & Financial Recruitment is seeking an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor to join a Nottingham-based criminal law team. The role involves managing varied criminal matters, attending police stations and courts nationwide, and contributing to business development.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ PQE in criminal defence, strong advocacy and communication skills, and the ability to work independently within a specialist team.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with a current practising certificate.
• Minimum of 5 years’ PQE in criminal defence work.
• Proven experience managing criminal law cases and achieving successful outcomes.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and client management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a specialist team.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters efficiently and in line with firm policies.
• Ensure all work is delivered to a high professional standard and within required timeframes.
• Advise and represent clients across the full spectrum of criminal law matters.
• Handle cases including road traffic offences, fraud, sexual offences, and regulatory prosecutions.
• Attend police stations and courts nationwide as required.
• Contribute to business development and promotion of services.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of criminal law, legislation, and regulatory changes.

Skills

Advocacy

Negotiation

Client management

Communication skills

Independent working

Team collaboration

PQE 5+ years

Education

Qualified Solicitor with practising certificate

Job description

Our client, a specialist and well-regarded law firm based in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, is seeking an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor to join their established Criminal Law team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters efficiently and in line with firm policies
• Ensure all work is delivered to a high professional standard and within required timeframes
• Utilise case management systems effectively to maintain accurate records and workflows
• Advise and represent clients across the full spectrum of criminal law matters
• Handle cases including road traffic offences, fraud, sexual offences, and regulatory prosecutions
• Represent clients in matters involving authorities such as the Police, CPS, HMRC, FCA and other regulatory bodies
• Attend police stations and courts nationwide as required
• Manage complex matters including POCA proceedings, confiscation, and specialist criminal defence work
• Contribute to the ongoing development and reputation of the firm’s criminal law offering
• Participate in business development and promotion of services
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of criminal law, legislation, and regulatory changes
• Work closely with Partners and the wider criminal law team
• Support knowledge sharing and contribute to team development
• Liaise with colleagues across the firm on relevant matters

Requirements / Skills / Experience

• Qualified Solicitor with a current practising certificate
• Minimum of 5 years’ PQE in criminal defence work
• Proven experience managing criminal law cases and achieving successful outcomes
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and client management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and as part of a specialist team

Package / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• Death in service benefit (3x salary)
• Generous holiday allowance
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Supportive and collaborative working environment