Criminal Defence Solicitor (5 Years' PQE)
Old Bailey Solicitors
Old Bailey Solicitors is a respected criminal defence practice with a growing reputation for delivering exceptional representation to privately funded clients. Due to continued expansion of our private client department, we are seeking an ambitious Criminal Defence Solicitor with approximately 5 years' PQE to join our team.
This is a rare opportunity for a talented solicitor looking to build a long-term career within a progressive firm. We are seeking someone who can not only provide outstanding client service, but who is also motivated to help develop and strengthen our private client offering.
Old Bailey Solicitors has a Criminal Legal Aid contract. However, it has become clear in recent years that there are significant gaps in the publicly funded provision. Clients are increasingly requiring a more proactive approach, especially whilst subject to investigation, and they are willing to pay for focused, well-reasoned and expert advice at any early stage in their case. Having identified this shortfall in legal aid provision, Old Bailey Solicitors offer clients a bespoke private client service, designed to demystify the process and provide targeted and timely advice and assistance.
For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to practise criminal law in a way that is both professionally rewarding and commercially sustainable. You will work with clients who value expert advice and are prepared to invest in high-quality representation, allowing you the time and space to provide focused, strategic and effective assistance. If you are motivated by delivering exceptional client care, achieving the best possible outcomes and being fairly rewarded for your expertise and effort, Old Bailey Solicitors offers a platform to build a fulfilling and progressive career.
The Role
You will play a key role in servicing and developing our increasing private client base, advising and representing clients across a broad range of criminal defence matters. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the future growth and direction of the department.
We are looking for a solicitor with experience of the criminal justice system who can assist our senior team to meet with and advise new clients, generally at a crucial early stage of their case. This will involve
- new client meetings, via Teams or face to face, at one of our three office locations
- providing advice on the likely process in their case
- the options available to the client
- where appropriate, assisting the client to make representations or to advance their defence case
We are also looking to make an appointment with succession planning firmly in mind, making this an excellent opportunity for an ambitious solicitor seeking genuine career progression.
About You
You will be:
- A qualified Solicitor with approximately 5 years' PQE in criminal defence
- Entrepreneurial, proactive and strategic, keen to develop and grow a modern criminal defence practice
- Experienced in managing your own busy caseload of criminal matters
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to excellent client care and business development
- Able to generate, develop and foster referral relationships and sources of work
- An excellent communicator, with strong advocacy and networking skills
- Commercially aware with the ambition to help grow a thriving private client practice
- Confident in discussing fee structures and the benefits of privately funded representation with clients
- Personable, compassionate and empathetic
- Willing to work as part of a team, offering support to more junior fee earners
- Self-aware, and able to request and receive support and feedback from the management team
Duty Solicitor accreditation is welcomed but not essential.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to play a significant role in the future development of the firm
- A strong and growing private client practice
- Genuine long-term career prospects with succession opportunities
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (you will be based in our Brighton office)
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience
If you are an ambitious criminal defence solicitor looking for a role where your contribution will be recognised and where you can help shape the future of a leading criminal defence practice, we would be delighted to hear from you.
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