Criminal Solicitor

Michael Page Legal; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Civil Service pension (employer up to

Structured induction and development

Job summary

Michael Page Legal is partnering with a public sector organisation to recruit a Criminal Solicitor across the North East. The role targets solicitors with at least 2 years in criminal law to work on serious prosecutions, provide police advice and undertake advocacy in Crown Court and specialist tribunals.

You will enjoy a strong salary, hybrid working, and clear development opportunities within a long‑standing public service environment that supports progression to Legal Manager and Crown

Qualifications

• 2+ years of criminal law experience or equivalent
• Solicitor, barrister or equivalent legal professional
• Ability to manage complex legal issues and assess risk

Responsibilities

• Advise police and investigators on evidence, charging decisions and strategy across a wide range of offences.
• Review serious and complex case files and make prosecution decisions in line with evidential and public interest tests.
• Conduct advocacy in Courts, including contested hearings, specialist courts and multi day trials.
• Manage a personal caseload of criminal matters while working closely with counsel, investigators and criminal justice partners.
• Build strong relationships with courts, victims, witnesses and stakeholders throughout the prosecution process.

Skills

Criminal law experience

Advocacy

Stakeholder management

Public service motivation

Job description

Criminal Solicitor opportunity available across the North East. This role is ideal for solicitors with 2+ years of criminal law experience looking to work on serious and complex prosecutions across Crown Court and specialist teams.

You’ll advise police, manage challenging criminal caseloads, undertake advocacy and play a key role in delivering justice, while benefiting from a strong salary, flexible working and excellent career development.

Client Details

Our client is a leading public sector legal organisation responsible for prosecuting criminal cases across England and Wales and supporting the wider criminal justice system. It offers lawyers the opportunity to work on cases that have a direct impact on communities while developing specialist criminal law expertise.

With structured training, supportive leadership and clear progression routes, the organisation is recognised as one of the most established employers of criminal lawyers in the UK.

Description

The Criminal Solicitor will be:

• Advising police and investigators on evidence, charging decisions and criminal case strategy across a wide range of offences.
• Reviewing serious and complex case files and making prosecution decisions in line with evidential and public interest tests.
• Conducting advocacy in Courts, including contested hearings, specialist courts and multi day trials.
• Managing a personal caseload of criminal matters while working closely with counsel, investigators and criminal justice partners.
• Building strong relationships with courts, victims, witnesses and stakeholders throughout the prosecution process.

Profile

The Criminal Solicitor should be:

• A solicitor, barrister or equivalent legal professional with criminal law experience.
• Possess at least 2 years of experience within criminal law, criminal litigation, prosecution or defence work.
• Comfortable managing complex legal issues, exercising sound judgement and assessing legal risk.
• A confident communicator with strong advocacy and stakeholder management skills.
• Motivated by public service, professional development and career progression.

Job Offer

The Criminal Solicitor will receive:

• Starting salary of £55,975
• Civil Service pension with employer contribution of up to 28%.
• Permanent position with full time, part time and flexible working options.
• Hybrid working with a mix of home, office and court attendance.
• Structured induction and professional development programme.
• Exposure to some of the most serious and complex criminal cases within the justice system.
• 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days after 5 years plus an additional privilege day.
• Clear progression opportunities into Legal Manager and Crown Advocate roles.