Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Slough; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' annual leave

Structured training and development

Mentoring and support from experienced

Higher Rights of Audience development

Job summary

William James Recruitment is assisting a well-established London law firm to recruit a Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor into its growing Criminal Defence team. The role offers exposure to advocacy, client management and a varied caseload with structured development.

The successful candidate will be SRA-qualified, with strong communication and time-management skills, and a proactive approach to handling responsibilities under pressure.

Qualifications

• SRA-qualified solicitor with a genuine interest in criminal defence.
• Strong communication and client care skills.
• Ability to manage competing 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

Time management

Attention to detail

Independent working

Team collaboration

Advocacy interest

Education

SRA-qualified solicitor

Job description

Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor - Central London - Excellent benefits

We are working with a well-established London law firm to recruit a Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor to join its growing 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.

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
• 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
• Excellent opportunities for progression
• High-quality Central London office

More About William James Recruitment

William James Recruitment is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy, partnering with leading law firms across the UK and internationally. We work with a range of highly regarded clients, including Legal 500-ranked firms, advising on senior and strategic appointments.