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- Tasks: Represent clients in serious criminal cases and attend police stations and courts.
- Company: Join a Lexcel-accredited law firm known for justice and client service excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid work, bonuses, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Fast-track your career in a supportive team while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor with Duty status and experience in criminal defence.
- Other info: Be part of a rapidly growing firm that values work/life balance and community involvement.
Genuine opportunity to fast-track your career to Head of Crime Department.
Location: Nottingham/ Hybrid
Salary: c£50,000 + Out of Hours Payments + Bonus + Benefits
Are you ready to take your criminal law career to the next level?
We’re proud to be working in partnership with a well-established, expanding, and Lexcel-accredited Legal 500 law firm group, renowned for their commitment to justice and exceptional client service. With an impressive track record and a collaborative culture, they are now looking to recruit an experienced Criminal Duty Solicitor—with the potential to progress into a Department Head role.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious solicitor or CLE who thrives on serious and complex cases and wants to make a real impact while working in a firm that genuinely supports your growth.
The Role
As a key member of the criminal law team, you'll play a vital role in representing clients involved in a wide range of serious criminal matters, including violent crime, sexual offences, fraud, and drug-related cases. This role combines the excitement of front-line legal work with long-term leadership prospects.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Attending police stations and Magistrates’ courts for urgent and scheduled matters
- Representing clients in serious criminal cases including murder, assault, drug offences, and regulatory breaches
- Building strong relationships with clients, third parties, barristers, and expert witnesses
- Preparing legal documents, taking witness statements, and analysing evidence
- Collaborating closely with experienced legal professionals in a supportive team environment
What We're Looking For
We’re seeking a dedicated solicitor or CLE who is:
- Fully qualified and holds Duty status
- Experienced in criminal defence, particularly urgent duty matters
- Up to date on criminal law and court procedures
- Excellent in client care and communication, with a passion for justice
- Ambitious, and ready to lead and mentor a team in the near future
- Able to work outside standard hours and attend police stations when required
- A car owner with a valid driving licence
What You’ll Get
Competitive salary
- Generous out-of-hours payments and performance bonus
- Regular salary reviews and fast-tracked career progression
- Hybrid working once onboarding is complete
- Paid leave, including Christmas shutdown (discretionary)
- Company pension scheme
- Free parking
- Investment in ongoing training and development
- Supportive, collaborative working culture with a focus on work/life balance
- Involvement in community initiatives, local charities, and networking events
Join a law firm that’s nearly doubled in size over the past 12 months and be part of a team that’s not just meeting industry standards—but setting them.
Note: Salary stated is given as a guideline, in line with market rate and is negotiable, commensurate with experience.
For more information, please contact Tracey at Talentwise Solutions Legal Recruitment.
Criminal Defence Lawyer employer: Talentwise Solutions Legal Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Talentwise Solutions Legal Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Defence Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the criminal law field. Attend legal seminars, workshops, or local bar association events to meet solicitors and barristers who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at firms like ours.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on recent developments in criminal law and court procedures. Subscribe to legal journals or follow relevant online platforms to ensure you can discuss current issues confidently during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commitment to client care and justice by volunteering for legal aid clinics or community initiatives. This not only enhances your CV but also shows your passion for the field, which is highly valued by employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to criminal defence cases. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've worked on, your approach to client relationships, and how you handle high-pressure situations.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Defence Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in criminal defence, particularly any urgent duty matters. Emphasise your qualifications, Duty status, and any relevant cases you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for justice and your commitment to client care. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle serious criminal cases and your ambition to lead a team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as communication, client relationship building, and legal document preparation. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other legal professionals.
Showcase Your Commitment: Express your willingness to work outside standard hours and your readiness to attend police stations when required. This shows your dedication to the role and your understanding of the demands of criminal law.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talentwise Solutions Legal Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Criminal Law
Make sure you're up to date with the latest developments in criminal law and court procedures. Brush up on key cases and legislation that may be relevant to the role, as this will demonstrate your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Client Care Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients in the past. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships and provide exceptional client care, as this is crucial for a Criminal Defence Lawyer.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Since the role has future leadership prospects, be ready to discuss your ambitions and any previous experiences where you've led or mentored a team. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in growing within the firm.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities in urgent duty matters. Think through potential scenarios you might encounter and how you would handle them effectively.
