Solicitor / Associate – Criminal Defence

Overview

In this role you will join DWF’s Criminal Defence sub-team in Bristol, contributing to high-profile criminal investigations and regulatory work. You will work as part of a national team, handling complex cases while supporting business development and knowledge sharing. You will balance technical excellence with client-focused service, achieving targets and improving practice efficiency. This is an opportunity to shape outcomes across sectors and contribute to an inclusive, high-performing firm.

Pay / Benefits

• equal opportunities employer
• inclusive environment
• adjustments or additional support for candidates
• valued and rewarded team
• career development opportunities
• training and knowledge sharing

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced criminal defence expertise to large and complex cases
• Meet individual financial targets aligned with the sales plan
• Understand client requirements and manage cases per SLAs and best practices
• Analyze risk and justify decisions to clients and internal stakeholders
• Prioritize workload to maximise efficiency and contribute to case development
• Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders to grow business networks and support client needs
• Contribute to business development through articles, presentations, and seminars
• Develop technical/commercial knowledge through training or supervised practice

Key requirements

• 3+ years PQE in criminal defence/regulatory work including HSE prosecutions
• strong academic performance
• ability to work within the wider Commercial Insurance team
• self-motivation and guidance/support to junior team members
• proactive in wider business development and client updates
• excellent communication and organisational skills

• strong communication
• organisational skills
• self-motivation
• criminal defence
• regulatory work
• HSE prosecutions

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