Criminal Solicitor

Executive Network Legal Limited; Bristol, Calthorpe Fields; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established law firm in Bristol is seeking a Criminal Solicitor for a full-time position. This role offers competitive salary and the opportunity to join a supportive team focused on criminal defence. You will represent clients in various proceedings, manage diverse cases, and contribute to a collaborative environment. Ideal for solicitors at any stage of their career, particularly those with legal aid experience.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Opportunities for progression

Collegiate team environment

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor (NQ+ considered).
• Experience in managing own criminal caseload under legal aid.
• Crown Court experience and Duty Solicitor status desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in police stations, Magistrates’ Court, and Crown Court proceedings.
• Manage a varied caseload of publicly funded criminal defence matters.
• Prepare cases for trial, including briefing counsel.

Skills

Strong advocacy skills

Client care skills

Ability to work independently

Team collaboration

Education

Qualified solicitor

Police Station Accreditation

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Criminal Solicitor – Legal Aid
Location: Bristol
Salary: Up to £50,000 DOE
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

A well-established Bristol-based law firm is seeking a dedicated and driven Criminal Solicitor to join their expanding Criminal Defence team. This role is ideal for solicitors with a strong grounding in criminal legal aid work, particularly at police station, Magistrates’, and Crown Court levels. Whether you’re newly qualified or bring several years of post-qualification experience, this position offers excellent career development within a supportive and experienced team.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in police stations, Magistrates’ Court, and Crown Court proceedings
• Manage a varied caseload of publicly funded criminal defence matters
• Provide clear and effective legal advice to clients at all stages of the criminal process
• Prepare cases for trial, including briefing counsel and liaising with third parties
• Attend and advise clients during interviews under caution
• Ensure compliance with LAA requirements and firm procedures
• Work collaboratively with the wider team including consultants, support staff, and external representatives

About You

• Qualified solicitor (NQ+ considered)
• Police Station Accreditation essential
• Experience in managing own criminal caseload under legal aid
• Strong advocacy and client care skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a busy team
• Crown Court experience and Duty Solicitor status desirable but not essential

The Team

You’ll be joining a small but effective team comprising senior leadership, experienced criminal consultants, and an efficient administrative support unit including receptionists, secretaries, and a billing clerk. The majority of police station attendances are handled by representatives, allowing solicitors to focus on progression and advocacy.

Why Join This Firm?

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Collegiate team environment
• Opportunities for progression and skill development
• Real responsibility and autonomy from day one
• Central Bristol location

eNL will never share your CV with a third party without your express permission. As part of our candidate care process, we aim to respond to all applications in 7 days. If you have not been contacted within this timescale, your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide.

At eNL we value diversity and inclusion. We want to attract people at all levels and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates whatever your ethnicity, religion, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any characteristics protected by law in the jurisdictions in which we operate.