Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & benefits

Award-winning team

Out-of-hours pay

25 days leave

Structured training

Mentoring

Job summary

William James Recruitment is partnering with a renowned London firm to recruit a Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor for its expanding Criminal Defence team in Central London. You will gain hands-on experience across a varied caseload and work alongside experienced practitioners with tailored support and training.

This role offers early exposure to advocacy and client management, with structured development and mentoring to aid progression toward higher rights and accreditation within a

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with SRA status.
• Strong communication and client care abilities.
• Ability to manage priorities and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of criminal defence matters.
• Attend police stations and represent clients during interviews.
• Undertake advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court with training and support.
• Prepare legal advice, correspondence and case documentation.
• Review evidence and assist with case preparation.
• Liaise with clients, courts, counsel and other relevant parties.
• Support senior team members on complex matters.
• Maintain accurate case records and meet deadlines.

Skills

Communication

Client care

Time management

Attention to detail

Independent working

Advocacy development

Education

SRA qualification (Solicitor)

Job description

Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor – Central London - Excellent benefits

We are working with an exceptional and well-established London law firm to recruit a Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor to join its growing and specialist Criminal Defence team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified solicitor looking to build their career within criminal defence, gaining hands‑on experience across a varied caseload while working alongside experienced practitioners with tailored support and training.

The role offers early exposure to advocacy, client management and complex criminal matters, with structured support and development available throughout your career.

The Role:

• Manage a varied caseload of criminal defence matters, including serious and complex cases
• Attend police stations and represent clients during interviews where appropriate
• Undertake advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court, with training and support provided
• Prepare legal advice, correspondence and case documentation
• Review evidence and assist with case preparation
• Liaise with clients, courts, counsel and other relevant parties
• Support senior members of the team on complex matters
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure deadlines are met
• Work in accordance with professional, regulatory and quality standards
• Contribute positively to the wider team and development of the practice

About You:

• SRA-qualified solicitor with a genuine interest in criminal defence
• Strong communication and client care skills
• Good organisational and time management abilities
• Able to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
• Confident working independently while contributing to a wider team
• Police Station Accreditation would be advantageous
• Duty Solicitor status, or a willingness to work towards accreditation
• Enthusiastic about developing advocacy and litigation skills

The Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package + generous bonus structure
• Joining an award winning team
• Additional remuneration for out-of-hours work
• 25 days' annual leave
• Structured training and career development
• Mentoring and support from experienced criminal practitioners
• Support towards further professional accreditations
• Assistance with developing advocacy skills and Higher Rights of Audience
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• High-quality Central London office