Senior Associate - Criminal Law
Location: Leeds (Hybrid working available)
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Associate to join a growing Criminal Law team at an exciting stage of expansion.
This is a strong opportunity to step into a varied, high-quality caseload and play a key role in shaping the continued growth of a dynamic and forward-thinking practice. You will work across the full spectrum of criminal law, with genuine scope to take ownership of complex matters, support junior colleagues, and contribute to wider team development.
Hybrid working is available, with flexibility to balance office presence, remote working, and travel to client sites and court locations as required.
Why apply?
- Join a growing Criminal Law team at a pivotal point in its development
- Handle a varied and complex caseload across the full range of criminal law
- Leeds-based role with hybrid working flexibility
- Opportunity to supervise and mentor junior team members
- Strong focus on wellbeing, development, and sustainable working practices
- Exposure to business development and client relationship building
- Collaborative and supportive working environment
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a complex caseload independently, delivering high-quality legal services throughout
- Represent clients at Magistrates' Court and Crown Court hearings
- Conduct police station attendances and PACE interviews
- Supervise, mentor, and support junior lawyers
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, including meetings in person and off-site
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the team
- Contribute to team meetings, case strategy discussions, and knowledge sharing
- Engage in ongoing professional development and stay up to date with legal and regulatory changes
- Support business development and marketing initiatives, including networking and client engagement
Requirements
Essential
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with significant criminal law experience (regulatory experience advantageous)
- Higher Rights of Audience (essential)
- Strong advocacy experience in Magistrates' Court and Crown Court proceedings
- Experience conducting police station and PACE interviews
- Proven ability to manage a caseload independently
- Strong drafting, file management, and client relationship skills
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior colleagues
- Demonstrable involvement in business development and client engagement
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently and within a team
- Willingness and ability to travel to courts, police stations, prisons, and client sites as required
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends depending on client needs
Desirable
- Track record of successful business development activity
- Regulatory experience
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