Criminal Defence Solicitor

Yolk Recruitment; West of England; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Yolk Recruitment in Bristol is seeking an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor to join a well-established regional firm. You will take ownership of your own caseload and represent clients at all stages of their cases, with opportunities to develop advocacy skills at Crown Court.

The role offers high earning potential (up to £85,000) plus bonus and annual profit share, in a firm known for its Legal 500-ranked criminal and regulatory team and strong regional presence.

Qualifications

• 3+ PQE in criminal defence solicitor
• Eligible for immediate Duty Solicitor deployment
• Comfortable managing own caseload

Responsibilities

• Represent clients at all stages of their cases and manage own caseload from start to finish
• Attend Crown Court with Counsel and gain exposure to high-quality advocacy
• Develop regulatory practice and broaden expertise with a varied caseload

Education

3+ PQE criminal defence solicitor

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.