Junior Advocate

Clayton Legal; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in the UK seeks a Criminal Solicitor specialising in serious sexual offences, perfect for an NQ–2 PQE professional eager to develop expertise in a high-demand area. This role offers the chance to work on complex and sensitive cases, providing critical support to clients. With comprehensive mentoring and real progression opportunities in a supportive team, this position aims to make a meaningful impact while building a respected career in criminal defence.

Benefits

Mentoring from experienced specialists

Real progression opportunities

Competitive salary and benefits

Qualifications

• NQ–2 PQE criminal solicitor passionate about specialising in sexual offences.
• Empathetic, professional, and client-focused with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A proactive team player ready to learn from specialists.

Responsibilities

• Work on intellectually challenging and high-profile cases.
• Provide guidance and support to clients at critical moments.
• Receive mentoring and training from senior specialists.

Skills

Empathy

Client focus

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Education

NQ–2 PQE in Law

Job description

Criminal Solicitor – Specialist Sexual Offences (NQ–2 PQE)

Looking to move beyond standard Legal Aid work and specialise in serious criminal defence? This is your chance to join a highly regarded team handling complex and sensitive cases, including sexual offences. Here, your work will directly impact people’s lives, help shape outcomes in some of the most serious criminal cases, and position you as a recognised expert in a niche, high-demand area of law.

About the Role

• Work on intellectually challenging and high-profile cases, from general criminal matters to serious sexual offences.
• Provide guidance and support to clients at critical moments in their lives.
• Receive full mentoring and training from senior specialists – prior exposure isn’t essential.
• Occasional travel (around once a week) to connect with the wider criminal defence community.

Who You Are

• NQ–2 PQE criminal solicitor passionate about specialising in sexual offences.
• Empathetic, professional, and client-focused, able to remain calm under pressure.
• A proactive team player, ready to learn from the best in the business.

What’s on Offer

• Mentoring and training from highly experienced specialists.
• Hands‑on experience with serious, complex cases.
• Real progression opportunities in a supportive, forward‑thinking team.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Make a tangible impact on clients’ lives, build expertise in a niche area, and become a respected specialist in criminal defence.

This is more than a job – it’s a chance to specialise in sexual offences, develop unparalleled expertise, and shape outcomes that truly matter. Perfect for an NQ looking to be trained by the best in the business.