Criminal Solicitor (1-3 years PQE)

TV Edwards LLP has been serving London for over 95 years and our story continues to evolve. Founded in the East End in 1929, we’re proud of our legacy, but even prouder of what we’re building today: a diverse, dynamic law firm that’s consistently recognised by Chambers UK, The Legal 500, and The Times Top 250 Law Firms – where we were named among the top 20 firms in the UK for family law. Our culture is what sets us apart. We’re proud to have been named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for the second year running – a reflection of our supportive environment, commitment to wellbeing, and ongoing investment in our people.

With offices in Whitechapel and Clapham Junction, we serve both private and legal aid clients across a wide range of legal services. We prioritise supervision, training, and work-life balance because we believe excellent client service starts with happy, well-supported teams.

About the Criminal department: The criminal department is based at our offices in Whitechapel and Clapham Junction. Currently, the department is made up of 1 Member Partner, 1 Salaried Partner, 1 Senior Associate, 2 Associates, 4 Paralegals and 2 administrative staff members. We cover police stations and courts all over London but specifically in East and South London. Within the criminal department, there is a specialist youth crime unit. Our clients come from across London and beyond. Our client base is from many different ethnic backgrounds and a significant number do not speak English. As with any legal practice based in an inner city area, many of our clients suffer social deprivation and have suffered traumatic experiences in the past. A significant proportion of our clients are vulnerable because of youth, disability or mental health problems. We have a strong commitment to training our staff. We deliver regular internal training courses for staff of all levels of experience.

The Opportunity: The Criminal Department of TV Edwards LLP seeks to appoint a solicitor with at least one year of post‑qualification experience who can represent our clients across a range of criminal matters. The successful candidate will be expected to attend, advise, and represent clients at police stations and magistrate’s courts. There will be an element of out‑of‑hour work attached to the role. Experience of preparation of cases for trial in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court is essential. You will need to share our passion for access to justice and have good knowledge of the legal aid scheme. Experience of privately‑funded work would be welcome. You will be based at our office in Whitechapel and appointment is subject to a six‑month probation period.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carrying out all allotted casework, promptly and efficiently.
• Analysing legal matters and advising clients of the appropriate course of action.
• Communicating clearly and regularly with clients and complying with ‘client care’ requirements.
• Dealing with all routine correspondence, negotiations and advocacy, where appropriate.
• Ensuring that time spent on all casework is promptly recorded and on conclusion of cases that they are billed and payment is recorded promptly.
• To ensure, where any part of the work within the department is funded by the Legal Aid Agency that requirements are met.
• Keeping up-to-date with general legal developments, particularly relating to own specialist field(s).
• Undertaking appropriate administrative tasks in accordance with the Office Manual to help to ensure smooth functioning of department and efficient casework and billing.
• Providing supervision where appropriate and/or reporting to supervisors when supervision required.

Skills/Knowledge Requirements:

• Ability to communicate effectively with the firm’s client group.
• Excellent oral and telephone skills.
• Ability to prioritise and work efficiently under pressure.
• Excellent written communications skills.
• Problem‑solving ability.
• Experience of working to targets.
• Commitment to our client group in connection with maintaining access to justice.
• Current Practising Certificate.
• Experience of Legal Aid funding and using the Legal Aid Portal.
• Experience of privately‑funded work.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity: TV Edwards Solicitors LLP is an equal opportunities employer, committed to increasing diversity in our firm and our wider profession.

Anticipated start date– ASAP. 25 days holiday, increasing to 28 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years. Birthday day off. Bonus Scheme. Cycle to work scheme. Health Cashback Plan. Length of service awards.