Criminal Defence Solicitor – Glasgow

Frasia Wright Associates; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Frasia Wright Associates in Glasgow seeks a Senior Criminal Defence Solicitor to lead and grow its in-house criminal defence practice. The role involves shaping strategy with management, handling a broad caseload and offering autonomy.

The successful candidate will have 5+ years’ PQE in criminal defence, strong advocacy, and experience with both legal aid and private clients. Flexible hybrid working is available and remuneration can be tailored to experience.

Qualifications

• Scottish qualified solicitor with at least 5 years’ PQE in criminal defence.
• Strong advocacy skills and substantial court experience.
• Experience handling both legal aid and privately funded work.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied criminal defence caseload across private and legal aid matters.
• Advise clients at police stations and during custody interviews.
• Represent clients in Sheriff Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts.

Skills

Advocacy

Criminal defence

Court experience

Legal aid & private work

Education

Scottish Qualified Solicitor

Job description

This growing and ambitious Scottish law firm is seeking a Senior Criminal Defence Solicitor to join its team in Glasgow. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced criminal lawyer to take a leading role in establishing and developing the firm’s in-house criminal defence practice, working closely with management to shape the future direction of a growing department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing a varied criminal defence caseload covering both private and legally aided matters.
• Advising clients at police stations and during custody interviews.
• Representing clients in Sheriff Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts across a range of summary criminal matters.
• Handling solemn cases and assisting with the preparation of High Court proceedings where required.
• Conducting court appearances including bail applications, trials, sentencing hearings, custody hearings and intermediate diets.
• Advising clients on a range of road traffic offences, including dangerous driving, drink and drug driving matters, disqualification issues and exceptional hardship applications.
• Preparing cases through detailed review of evidence, witness statements and productions.
• Supporting the continued growth and development of the firm’s criminal defence offering.

Applicants should be Scottish qualified solicitors with at least 5 years’ PQE in criminal defence. Candidates should demonstrate strong advocacy skills, substantial court experience and the ability to manage a broad range of criminal matters independently. Experience handling both legal aid and privately funded work is essential.

You will be joining a forward-thinking and expanding firm that offers a rare opportunity to lead and shape a criminal defence practice within an established business. The role provides significant autonomy, exposure to a broad range of criminal work, flexible hybrid working arrangements and a remuneration structure that can be tailored to experience and business development capabilities.

Criminal Defence Solicitor – Glasgow Glasgow