Senior Associate Solicitor (Crime)

William James Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working

Competitive salary and bonus

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Internal academy training

On-site gym

Social events and wellbeing activities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

William James Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of a Tier 1 Legal 500 and Chambers ranked firm for a Senior Associate Solicitor (Crime) in Manchester City Centre. The role involves handling predominantly privately funded crime matters, pre-charge advice, and complex cases with a high-quality team.

You will manage private and publicly funded cases, attend court, and mentor junior lawyers within a modern Manchester office offering a generous bonus scheme and excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• A Solicitor with at least 3 years PQE (ideally in Crime).
• Solid background in Criminal Investigations and Defence.
• Excellent communication and client care skills.
• Strong understanding of Criminal Law and court procedures.
• Ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines.
• IT proficiency and strong organisational skills.
• A proactive, team-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Managing a varied caseload of criminal defence matters for private and publicly funded clients.
• Attending court hearings and representing clients at police station.
• Conducting advocacy in Magistrates Court.
• Mentoring and supervising junior lawyers and trainees.
• Preparing clear, accurate legal advice and documentation.
• Liaising with clients, courts, and third parties to progress cases efficiently.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

Skills

Criminal defence

Court procedures

Advocacy

Client care

Regulatory compliance

Education

Solicitor qualification

Job description

• Opportunity to work at a Tier 1 Legal 500 and Chambers ranked firm
• Predominantly Privately funded Crime Practice + complex caseload
• Excellent salary + benefits + generous bonus and referral scheme

• Opportunity to work at a Tier 1 Legal 500 and Chambers ranked firm
• Predominantly Privately funded Crime Practice + complex caseload
• Excellent salary + benefits + generous bonus and referral scheme

About the Role

Senior Associate Solicitor (Crime) - Manchester City Centre - Competitive base salary + generous bonus scheme - REF:893485123AL

We are working on behalf of a Tier 1 Legal 500 and Chambers ranked firm to recruit an experienced Criminal defence Solicitor to join their multi award-winning expert team in their modern Manchester office.

This is a predominantly privately funded client role working mostly with pre-charge advice, engagement and the charging process in serious criminal matters alongside legal aid work and a wider caseload of serious crime matters.

You will be involved in:

• Managing a varied caseload of criminal defence matters for both private and publicly funded clients
• Attending court hearings and representing clients at police station
• Conducting advocacy in Magistrates Court
• Mentoring and supervising junior lawyers and trainees
• Preparing clear, accurate legal advice and documentation
• Liaising with clients, courts, and third parties to progress cases efficiently
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards

The Ideal Candidate:

• A Solicitor with at least 3 years PQE (ideally in Crime)
• Solid background in Criminal Investigations and Defence
• Excellent communication and client care skills
• Strong understanding of Criminal Law and court procedures
• Ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines
• IT proficiency and strong organisational skills
• A proactive, team-focused approach

The Benefits and How To Apply:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement
• Receive in-depth training on pre-charge engagement and processes
• Competitive salary and benefits package + generous bonus scheme
• Chance to attend regular Social events and Wellbeing activities
• Regular support and well-being check ins
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• 25 days annual leave plus bank Holidays, increasing with service
• Ongoing professional development and training via internal academy
• Impressive Modern office in Manchester City Centre
• Excellent quality of serious and complex work within a leading firm
• Working with and alongside Legal 500 ranked experts in Crime
• Clear progression opportunities
• Health care benefits
• Free on-site gym