Criminal Defence Solicitor - Start Up Department Role

Criminal Defence Solicitor – Start-Up Department Role

Location: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full‑Time, Permanent

Role Overview

A growing and ambitious law firm is seeking an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor to lead the launch, development, and long‑term growth of its new Criminal Law Department. The successful candidate will manage a criminal defence caseload, drive strategic development, growth, and expansion of the department, and contribute to the firm’s leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and growth of the Criminal Law Department
• Manage a varied criminal defence caseload from instruction through to conclusion
• Represent clients at police stations, Magistrates' Courts, and support Crown Court matters
• Develop departmental procedures, systems, and workflows
• Drive business development and networking initiatives to generate new work
• Build relationships with clients, professional contacts, and referral sources
• Assist with recruitment and team growth as the department expands
• Ensure compliance with Legal Aid Agency and regulatory requirements
• Work closely with senior management on the department’s strategic direction and performance
• Deliver exceptional client care and maintain high professional standards

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with significant criminal defence experience
• Strong technical knowledge of criminal law and criminal procedure
• Experience managing an independent caseload
• Commercial awareness and a business development mindset
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Ambition to build and grow a successful department

Desirable

• Duty Solicitor Accreditation
• Police Station Accreditation
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior team members
• Existing professional contacts and referral relationships
• Experience contributing to departmental growth or business development initiatives

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Opportunity to lead and develop a new department
• Significant autonomy and responsibility
• Genuine progression into a senior leadership position
• Supportive and entrepreneurial working environment
• Opportunity to recruit and build your own team over time
• Long‑term career development within a growing firm

If you are interested, please contact Ryan at Puro Associates on 01904571760 or apply below.