Criminal Defence Solicitor – Central Bristol

Wards Solicitors LLP; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive environment

Professional development

Hybrid working after probation

Diverse and interesting caseload

Job summary

Wards Solicitors LLP in Bristol is seeking a full-time Criminal Defence Solicitor with 2+ years PQE to join our established Criminal Defence Department. You will handle a broad range of privately funded matters and develop your career in a supportive, collaborative team.

You will manage a varied caseload of criminal defence matters, advise clients, draft statements, liaise with courts and regulators, and support the growth of the team. Hybrid working is available after probation.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with current practising certificate.
• Demonstrable experience in criminal defence litigation.
• Excellent knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
• Strong advocacy, analytical and case management skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyse prosecution evidence and assess implications for clients.
• Advise clients throughout all stages of investigations and proceedings.
• Draft witness statements and review client evidence.
• Prepare, collate, organise and summarise case materials.
• Liaise with courts, regulators, including the HSE, police and external experts.
• Prepare and serve Defence Statements.
• Draft sentencing and mitigation bundles.
• Draft legal submissions and support case strategy development.
• Attend interviews under caution, hearings and trials.
• Conduct legal and regulatory research, including analysis of HSE guidance and legislation.
• Review evidence.
• Coordinate client meetings, site visits and expert appointments.
• Maintain accurate case records and regulatory compliance.
• Support clients with sensitivity and professionalism.

Skills

Criminal defence litigation

Advocacy

Case management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Legal case management systems

Education

Qualified Solicitor of England and Wales with current practising certificate

Higher Rights of Audience (Criminal)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal case management systems

Job description

Criminal Defence Solicitor - Central Bristol

We are seeking a full time motivated and enthusiastic 2-year plus PQE Criminal Defence Solicitor to join our established Criminal Defence Department based in our Bristol office.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor looking to develop their career within a supportive and collaborative team, handling a broad range of challenging criminal matters. We only undertake privately funded work.

Ideally, we want an ambitious, enthusiastic and capable person who will be invested in the future of the Team. You must be happy to network and market the team and the firm and come with innovative ideas and creativity. For the right candidate we have clear progression available.

The Role

The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of non legally-aided criminal defence matters and provide high-quality legal advice and representation to clients. The caseload will include, but is not limited to:

• Road Traffic Offences
• Violent Offences
• Sexual Offences
• Drug Offences
• Theft and Dishonesty Offences
• Food Safety and Hygiene Prosecutions
• Health and Safety Prosecutions
• Local Council Prosecutions
• Rogue Traders

The role will involve working closely with clients, Counsel, experts and regulators to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Analysing prosecution evidence and assessing its implications for clients.
• Advising clients throughout all stages of criminal investigations and proceedings.
• Drafting witness statements and reviewing client evidence.
• Preparing, collating, organising and summarising case materials.
• Liaising with courts, regulators, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), police and external experts.
• Preparing and serving Defence Statements.
• Drafting sentencing and mitigation bundles.
• Drafting legal submissions and supporting case strategy development.
• Attending interviews under caution, hearings and trials.
• Conducting legal and regulatory research, including analysis of HSE guidance and relevant legislation.
• Reviewing evidence.
• Coordinating client meetings, site visits and expert appointments.
• Maintaining accurate case records and ensuring compliance with regulatory and professional obligations.
• Supporting clients with sensitivity and professionalism during often challenging and high-pressure circumstances.
• Qualified Solicitor of England and Wales with a current practising certificate.
• Demonstrable experience in criminal defence litigation.
• Excellent knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure and evidence.
• Strong advocacy, analytical and case management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional client care.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal case management systems.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Higher Rights of Audience (Criminal).
• Experience dealing with regulatory investigations and prosecutions.
• Experience of attending police station interviews and representing clients under caution.

Location and Working Hours

This is a full-time position based in our Bristol office. Office hours are 9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Hybrid working arrangements are available following successful completion of the probationary period, with a typical pattern of three days in the office and two days working from home.

What We Offer

• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Hybrid working arrangements following probation.
• Exposure to a diverse and interesting caseload.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Wards Solicitors is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, gender reassignment, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected characteristic.