Solicitor - Criminal Defence in Bristol

Why join us? The Commercial Insurance team at DWF provides high-quality commercial advice on a wide range of matters to insurers and their insureds. The Criminal Defence sub-team, probably the largest of its kind in the UK, is looking for a Criminal Defence Solicitor to join our sub-team, to be based in our Bristol office. The Criminal Defence Team has national coverage across the UK with experts in many different classes of criminal investigations, prosecutions and inquests, including high profile inquest and D&O cases; defending motor prosecutions – routinely the more serious/fatal matters; defending HSE and Local Authority/Environment Agency prosecutions; complex care home and CQC-related cases. This represents an exciting opportunity to work within a busy national team that deals with interesting and high-profile cases across a range of sectors.

Responsibilities

• Exhibit a high level of technical expertise and an ability to apply it commercially and professionally achieving positive results on large and complex cases.
• Achieve individual financial targets in line with the sales plan.
• Understand client requirements and manage cases in line with service-level agreements and best practices.
• Analyse risk and further develop sound judgement enabling the justification of decisions to clients internally and externally.
• Prioritise work effectively and maximise efficiency in working practices.
• Understand individual roles in the context of the practice group and proactively seek to contribute to increased efficiency in developing a caseload appropriate to the level of technical and legal knowledge.
• Build working relationships internally and externally to develop business networks and create a solid understanding of the Firm’s direction and client needs – playing a proactive role in business development including writing articles, delivering presentations and facilitating seminars.
• Develop increased levels of technical and commercial knowledge via training or supervised working practices.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Person Specification: Applicants will be considered from 1 - 4 years PQE, and must have a background in criminal defence/regulatory work, including defending HSE prosecutions. We are seeking candidates with strong overall academic performance. The candidate will have the ability to work well within the wider Commercial Insurance team, to self-motivate and to provide guidance and support to more junior team members when required. The successful applicant will need to proactively assist in wider business development, for example helping to deliver training and communicating relevant legal updates to clients. They will need excellent communication and organisational skills.

What we offer

At DWF, we deeply appreciate the significance of offering a comprehensive rewards package that extends beyond a basic salary. Our commitment is to ensure that each member of our team not only feels valued but is also duly rewarded throughout their tenure with us. Upon joining our organisation, you will have the opportunity to select from a diverse array of benefits, allowing you to carefully tailor a package that perfectly aligns with your individual needs and those of your family. In addition to our standard benefits, we offer a wide range of flexible benefits and robust well-being programs.

Our recruitment process upholds the highest standards of fairness and engagement. It includes comprehensive interviews and, at times, a written assessment, an assessment day, or presentation. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support.

About us

DWF is a global legal business providing Complex, Managed and Connected Services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.