At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on complex cases, make charging decisions, and conduct serious hearings.
- Company: Join a national public body at the heart of the criminal justice system.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, hybrid working, and 25+ days leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public trust and legal outcomes in high-stakes cases.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in criminal law.
- Other info: Opportunities for structured development and progression into senior roles.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 63500 £ per year.
About Our Client
You will be joining a national public body at the core of the criminal justice system, responsible for making independent, fair prosecution decisions across England and Wales. Known for its high standards, complex caseloads and strong development culture, the organisation offers meaningful legal careers where your work directly impacts public confidence and legal outcomes. You will collaborate with experienced prosecutors, investigators and external agencies on some of the most serious cases in the system.
Job Description
- Advise police and investigators on complex and high-risk casework
- Make charging decisions and prepare cases for Magistrates' and Crown Court
- Conduct advocacy in serious and sensitive hearings, including Youth Court and multi-day trials
- Clearly explain legal decisions to police, counsel, victims and the courts
- Manage your own caseload within specialist teams
- Contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team and share best practice
The Successful Applicant
- A qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a valid practising certificate (CILEx candidates with advocacy rights are also eligible)
- Experienced in criminal law, ideally with Magistrates' and/or Crown Court exposure
- A confident decision-maker with strong analytical and advocacy skills
- Motivated by public service and the delivery of justice
- Comfortable working with external agencies and communicating with diverse audiences
What's on Offer
- Salary: £55,975-£63,500
- Pension: Generous public sector pension
- Leave: 25 days rising to 30, plus an additional privilege day
- Flexibility: Hybrid working and family-friendly policies
- Benefits: Parental leave, Cycle2Work, employee discounts
- Development: Structured induction, specialist legal training and progression into Legal Manager or Senior Advocate roles
- Impact: Work on major cases that shape public trust and legal outcomes
If you are a criminal lawyer looking to take the next steps, apply now or contact Michael Bailey for more information.
Criminal Lawyer - 2+ PQE employer: Michael Page (UK)
Contact Detail:
Michael Page (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Lawyer - 2+ PQE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow lawyers, attend legal events, and connect with professionals in the criminal justice system. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your advocacy skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex legal concepts. We want you to shine in those serious hearings!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for public service during interviews. Talk about why you’re motivated to deliver justice and how you’ve made an impact in previous roles. It’s all about demonstrating your commitment to the cause!
✨Tip Number 4
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 are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Lawyer - 2+ PQE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Criminal Lawyer role. Highlight your experience in criminal law, especially any work with Magistrates' or Crown Courts, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about public service and how your background makes you a strong candidate for this position. We want to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills: Since advocacy is key in this role, include examples of your experience in serious hearings or trials. Let us know how you've effectively communicated legal decisions to various audiences – it’ll make you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page (UK)
✨Know Your Criminal Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in criminal law, especially those relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with key cases and legislation that could come up during your interview, as this will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations, such as making charging decisions or conducting advocacy in sensitive hearings. Think through your past experiences and be ready to discuss how you approached similar challenges, highlighting your analytical and decision-making skills.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders, so be prepared to discuss your experience in multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with police, counsel, or external agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a criminal lawyer, you'll need to explain complex legal concepts to diverse audiences. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, ensuring you can convey your legal reasoning in a way that's easy to understand for non-legal professionals.