At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own criminal defence caseload and advise clients confidently.
- Company: Respected specialist practice known for quality advocacy and client care.
- Benefits: Salary between £45,000–£60,000, hybrid working, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with structured supervision and development.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and develop your criminal practice in a flexible environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years PQE and UK criminal law experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: £45,000–£60,000
Location: London | 4 days WFH + 1 day office
Our client is a respected specialist practice with a strong reputation for quality advocacy and client care. They’re looking to add a Criminal Law Solicitor (2+ years PQE) who wants hands-on casework, real responsibility, and the flexibility to do their best work with a 4 days from home / 1 day in the office setup.
The Opportunity
This is a chance to join a team where you’ll be trusted with meaningful work, supported by experienced colleagues, and given clear scope to develop your criminal practice in London.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing your own caseload and supporting the wider team
- Running a varied criminal defence caseload from instruction through to conclusion
- Advising clients clearly and confidently on strategy, risk, and outcomes
- Preparing cases for hearings, including drafting statements, applications, and legal submissions
- Liaising with police stations, courts, CPS, counsel, and other third parties
- Maintaining excellent file management and compliance standards
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
- Ideally 2+ years PQE (we can be flexible for the right profile)
- UK criminal law practice experience (post-qualification or strong pre-qualification experience considered)
- Confidence handling core criminal defence matters and court processes
- Strong drafting, organisation, and client-care skills
Technical Skills & Knowledge (Ideal)
- Solid understanding of criminal procedure and court timetables
- Experience preparing cases for Magistrates’ Court and/or Crown Court
- Comfortable with legal aid processes (where applicable) and compliance requirements
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain high-quality written work
Working Arrangement & Location
London-based role Hybrid working: 4 days from home, 1 day in the office. Office location and specific days can be discussed at interview stage.
Salary & Benefits
- £45,000–£60,000 (dependent on PQE, experience, and caseload capability)
- Hybrid working (4 days WFH)
- Clear progression opportunities as the team grows (including scope to take on more complex work and increased responsibility)
- Supportive team environment with structured supervision and development
- Additional benefits to be confirmed with shortlisted candidates (and can be discussed transparently during process)
Apply / Enquire (Confidential)
For a confidential conversation or to apply, contact: David Hawthorne-Finch d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com. If you’d like, send your CV or simply message with your PQE, current location, notice period, and salary expectations and I’ll advise on fit and next steps.
Confidentiality: All applications and enquiries will be handled in strict confidence.
Criminal Law Solicitor in London employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Law Solicitor in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Criminal Law Solicitor role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Talk about your experience with criminal defence cases and how you’ve handled them. Let them see your confidence and expertise in action.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Know the firm’s reputation, their recent cases, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success. This shows you’re genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Law Solicitor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in criminal law, especially highlighting any relevant cases you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about criminal law and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your drafting, organisation, and client-care skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can manage their own caseload effectively, so make sure to mention any relevant experiences that demonstrate these abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Criminal Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in criminal law and any relevant case studies. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Criminal Law Solicitor.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific cases or client situations. Think through some examples from your past experience where you successfully managed a caseload or navigated complex legal issues, as this will demonstrate your hands-on capability.
✨Showcase Your Client Care Skills
Since client care is a big part of the role, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with clients in the past. Highlight your ability to explain legal strategies clearly and confidently, as well as how you’ve built trust with clients.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the team dynamics, the types of cases you’ll be handling, or the support available for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.