At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex criminal defence cases and mentor junior solicitors.
- Company: Respected national litigation firm with a focus on private crime.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 28 days leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Exceptional opportunity for ambitious lawyers seeking quality work without legal aid pressures.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and progress towards leadership in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Solid criminal defence experience and strong client management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Nottingham | Hybrid Working | National Specialist Litigation Firm
Looking for Better Quality Criminal Defence Work? If you're an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor who enjoys complex, privately funded work but feels restricted by volume-driven practice, legal aid pressures or limited progression opportunities, this could be the move you've been waiting for.
We're working with a highly respected national litigation and regulatory practice that has built an outstanding reputation for defending individuals and businesses facing serious criminal, regulatory and professional investigations. With approximately 180 staff nationwide and a long-established presence in the market, the firm combines the quality and resources of a larger practice with the agility and culture of a specialist boutique.
Due to continued growth and long-term succession planning, the team is now looking for an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor to become a key senior figure within the department.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Genuine Progression Towards Leadership: This isn't simply another fee-earning role. The team is seeking an experienced lawyer who can sit between the junior solicitors and the Head of Department, becoming the natural senior point of contact within the team and, over time, developing into a leadership position. For lawyers who enjoy mentoring others and want a visible route towards greater responsibility, the opportunity is very real.
- High-Quality, Privately Funded Work: The firm undertakes no legal aid work. Instead, you'll advise private individuals, professionals, directors and businesses on complex, sensitive and often reputation‑critical matters where clients value specialist expertise and strategic advice.
- Diverse and Interesting Caseload: Alongside traditional criminal defence work, the department frequently advises on matters involving: Fraud and financial crime allegations, HMRC investigations, Regulatory and professional discipline issues, Corporate and business‑related criminal matters, High‑profile and reputation‑sensitive cases. The breadth and quality of the work make this an excellent platform for ambitious criminal lawyers seeking greater technical challenge.
The Role
You will manage a varied caseload of privately funded criminal defence matters while working closely with the Head of Department on strategy, team development and workflow. Responsibilities will include:
- Managing complex criminal defence matters from investigation through to conclusion
- Advising individuals and businesses facing investigation and prosecution
- Supporting clients through police station attendance, interviews and court proceedings
- Acting as a senior point of contact for clients and colleagues
- Providing guidance and mentoring to junior solicitors
- Assisting with the continued development of the department
- Building and maintaining relationships with clients and professional contacts
About You
This opportunity is likely to suit a Criminal Defence Solicitor at Senior Associate level, although applications from strong candidates with varying levels of experience will be welcomed. You will ideally have:
- Solid criminal defence experience
- Experience managing complex files with minimal supervision
- Strong client care and relationship management skills
- The confidence to support and mentor junior lawyers
- Excellent judgement and a pragmatic approach to problem‑solving
- The ambition to play a key role in the future development of a successful department
What’s on Offer?
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- Hybrid working
- 28 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Additional birthday leave
- Private medical insurance
- Death in service cover
- Free on‑site parking
- Staff wellbeing programme
- Retail discounts and employee benefits platform
- Significant administrative and operational support from a large central team
- High‑quality work without legal aid pressures
- Genuine long‑term career progression opportunities
A Rare Opportunity in Private Crime
Opportunities to join specialist criminal defence teams of this calibre are uncommon. For lawyers seeking complex, privately funded work, strong support, and a realistic pathway towards becoming a senior leader within a respected national practice, this represents an exceptional opportunity.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Clara Rose.
Criminal Defence Solicitor (Senior Associate) | Private Crime | Future Leadership Opportunity employer: Clara Rose Consultancy
Join a highly respected national litigation firm in Nottingham, where you can thrive in a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises quality over quantity. With a focus on complex, privately funded criminal defence work, this role offers genuine progression towards leadership, allowing you to mentor junior solicitors while managing a diverse caseload of high-profile cases. Enjoy competitive benefits, including hybrid working, generous leave, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, making this an exceptional opportunity for ambitious legal professionals seeking meaningful career growth.
