At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload and provide immediate legal advice in critical situations.
- Company: A respected criminal defence practice known for its flexibility and high-quality work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fully remote work, no billing targets, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a structured out-of-hours rota with proper compensation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in clients' lives during critical moments with rewarding legal work.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or CILEx Lawyer with strong interest in Road Traffic and Criminal Defence.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Join a specialist criminal defence practice where flexibility meets purpose. Are you a Criminal Defence Solicitor or CILEx Lawyer looking for a role that offers genuine flexibility, autonomy, and high-quality work without the pressure of billing targets? A highly respected private criminal defence practice is seeking a motivated lawyer to join its specialist Criminal & Regulatory Defence team in Leeds. The firm is recognised for its expertise in road traffic offences, transport regulatory matters, and providing rapid-response legal support to transport operators, fleet businesses, insurers, and commercial clients across the UK.
This is a unique opportunity to step away from the rigidity of traditional private practice and join a modern, flexible team delivering critical legal support when clients need it most.
The Role
Alongside managing your own caseload, you will play a key role within the firm's dedicated 24/7 Crisis Response Service, providing immediate legal advice and representation following serious road traffic incidents. Working as part of a structured rota, you will advise drivers at the roadside, provide police station representation, and support clients through often complex and high-pressure investigations. Typical cases include:
- Careless Driving
- Dangerous Driving
- Causing Death by Careless Driving
- Causing Death by Dangerous Driving
- Causing Serious Injury by Careless or Dangerous Driving
- Transport and Regulatory Offences
- Police Station Representation
- Inquests and Related Proceedings
This is some of the firm's most rewarding and impactful work, offering lawyers the opportunity to make a real difference at critical moments for clients.
Essential Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor or CILEx Lawyer with litigation rights
- Strong interest in Road Traffic and Criminal Defence work
- Police Station Accredited Representative
- Willingness to participate fully in the out-of-hours on-call rota, including evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays with proper compensation
- Excellent communication and client care skills
- Strong organisational abilities and case management skills
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment while contributing positively to a collaborative team
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience handling Road Traffic Offence matters
- Inquest experience
- Experience working on insurer-funded cases
- Exposure to transport regulatory investigations and proceedings
What's On Offer?
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- Fully flexible and remote-based working model
- No traditional billing target culture
- Structured and transparent out-of-hours rota with proper compensation
- Proper compensation for on-call commitments
- High-quality specialist work within a niche area of criminal defence
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Supportive and experienced team environment
- Opportunity to work with a highly regarded, privately funded criminal defence practice
If you're looking for a role that combines flexibility, responsibility, and genuinely interesting work within a specialist criminal defence practice then apply today.
Criminal Defence Lawyer employer: IPS Group Careers
Join a dynamic and supportive insurance business that values your leadership skills and offers a collaborative work culture. With opportunities for professional growth and development, you'll be at the forefront of driving team performance and customer satisfaction in a hybrid working environment that balances office presence with flexibility. Located in Sheffield with travel to the South Coast, this role provides a unique chance to influence key strategic initiatives while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a strong focus on employee engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Defence Lawyer
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including IPS Group Careers, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Defence Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at IPS Group Careers, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in IPS Group Careers and the specific role of Criminal Defence Lawyer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for IPS Group Careers’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Group Careers
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at IPS Group Careers.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at IPS Group Careers.
