Criminal Defence Solicitor / CILEX Lawyer

Clayton Legal; King's Lynn; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Clayton Legal in King’s Lynn, Norfolk is seeking a qualified Criminal Defence Solicitor or CILEX Lawyer to join a busy criminal defence team. You will handle Magistrates’ Court work and may undertake police station duties, working closely with solicitors and case managers.

The firm emphasises collaborative work in a fast-paced environment, offering flexibility around experience level and opportunities to contribute across a busy docket of cases.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or CILEX Lawyer with an interest in criminal defence.
• Experience or willingness to undertake Magistrates’ Court work and related proceedings.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy, collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with Magistrates’ Court trials and sentencing hearings.
• Support duty court work and routine court matters.
• Prepare cases and communicate with clients throughout proceedings.
• Collaborate with police station representatives, Crown Court case managers and support team.
• Potentially undertake police station representation if desired.

Skills

Solicitor

CILEX Lawyer

Criminal defence

Magistrates' Court

Police station work

Job description

Criminal Defence Solicitor / CILEX Lawyer

King’s Lynn | Norfolk

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified Criminal Defence Solicitor or CILEX Lawyer to join an established and busy criminal defence team at a respected law firm in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

The firm provides a broad range of legal services and has several nationally recognised areas of specialism, including Commercial and Regulatory Law. It is also regularly recognised in the Legal 500, an independent guide to law firms and solicitors across the UK.

Following the retirement of a longstanding team member earlier this year and the appointment of two new Heads of Department, the firm is looking to strengthen its criminal defence team and recruit an additional lawyer to help manage its busy workload.

The Role

You will primarily support the team’s Magistrates’ Court work, assisting with a varied range of criminal defence matters and working closely with the existing solicitors and wider department.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with Magistrates’ Court trials and sentencing hearings.

• Supporting duty court work and other day-to-day court matters.

• Preparing cases and supporting clients throughout criminal proceedings.

• Working collaboratively with police station representatives, Crown Court case managers and the wider support team.

• Potentially undertaking police station representation if desired, although regular police station work is not essential.

The Team

You will be joining an established department comprising two solicitors undertaking Magistrates’ Court work, two dedicated police station representatives covering six duty slots, two Crown Court case managers and a wider support team.

The department handles a significant volume of work, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a busy environment and wants to play an active role in a collaborative team.

About You

The firm is flexible regarding the level of experience required and welcomes applications from qualified Solicitors and CILEX Lawyers with an interest in criminal defence.

You will ideally bring:

• Qualification as a Solicitor or CILEX Lawyer.

• An interest in criminal defence and Magistrates’ Court work.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Good communication skills and a commitment to client care.

• A proactive approach and the willingness to contribute to a busy team.

Candidates with varying levels of experience will be considered, making this a potential opportunity for someone looking to build on their existing criminal defence experience.

The Opportunity

• Join an established law firm with nationally recognised specialisms.

• Work within a busy and well-structured criminal defence department.

• Gain hands-on experience across a range of Magistrates’ Court matters.

• Benefit from flexibility around experience level.

• Have the option to undertake police station work without it being a regular requirement.

Location: King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

Interested?

Speak directly to Leanne Byrne, our specialist Crime & Regulatory Senior Consultant at Clayton Legal.

020 3965 9786
[e-mail]