Senior Crime Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous bonus scheme

Hybrid working

25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays

Healthcare benefits

On-site gym

Training & development

Wellbeing support

Team events

Career progression

Modern Manchester city centre office

Job summary

William James Recruitment is working with a respected criminal defence firm in Manchester to recruit a Senior Crime Solicitor. The role focuses on privately funded, serious criminal matters, with pre-charge advice, client engagement and support through charging.

The successful solicitor will manage a varied caseload, advocate in the Magistrates’ Court and help supervise junior lawyers, while enjoying a flexible hybrid working pattern and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 3+ years' PQE, ideally in criminal defence.
• Strong experience in criminal investigations and defence.
• Good understanding of criminal law and court procedures.
• Confident advocate with strong client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of criminal defence matters, privately funded.
• Advise clients at pre-charge and investigation stages.
• Support clients through engagement with authorities and charging.
• Attend police stations and court hearings when required.
• Undertake advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court.
• Prepare legal advice, correspondence and case documentation.
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers and trainees.
• Liaise with clients, counsel, courts and other parties.
• Maintain high standards of client care and case management.
• Ensure compliance with professional and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Criminal defence

Pre-charge investigations

Advocacy

Client engagement

Team leadership

Time management

Communication

Education

PQE 3+ years in criminal defence

Tools

Courtroom experience

Job description

Senior Crime Solicitor - Manchester City Centre - Competitive Base Salary + Generous Bonus Scheme

We are working on behalf of a highly regarded specialist criminal law firm to recruit an experienced Senior Crime Solicitor to join its growing team in Manchester.

This is a predominantly privately funded role focused on serious criminal matters, with particular emphasis on pre-charge advice, client engagement and supporting individuals through the charging process.

The role does not require Duty Solicitor status and offers the opportunity to work on high-quality and complex matters while developing your expertise within a supportive team.

The Role:

• Manage a varied caseload of criminal defence matters, with a strong focus on privately funded work
• Advise clients at the pre-charge and investigation stages
• Support clients through engagement with investigating authorities and the charging process
• Attend police stations and court hearings where required
• Undertake advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court
• Prepare legal advice, correspondence and case documentation
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers and trainees
• Liaise with clients, counsel, courts and other relevant parties
• Maintain high standards of client care and case management
• Ensure compliance with relevant professional and regulatory requirements

About You:

• Qualified Solicitor with at least 3 years' PQE, ideally within criminal defence
• Strong experience in criminal investigations and defence
• Experience advising clients during pre-charge investigations would be advantageous
• Good understanding of criminal law and court procedures
• Confident advocate with strong client-facing skills
• Excellent communication and drafting abilities
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Proactive and collaborative approach
• Comfortable supporting and developing more junior colleagues

The Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Generous bonus scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Healthcare benefits
• Free on-site gym
• Ongoing training and professional development through an internal learning programme
• Dedicated wellbeing support and regular wellbeing check-ins
• Regular social and team events
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• High-quality serious and complex criminal work
• Clear career progression opportunities
• Modern Manchester city centre office