Criminal Advocate (Greater London) | Top Tier L500 & National Specialist

Criminal Advocate | Remote Working | Top Tier Legal 500 & National Specialist
(Crown Court)

The Opportunity

A well-established specialist law firm is looking to recruit a Criminal Advocate to join its busy Crime team, with a particular focus on Crown Court advocacy.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Barrister or Solicitor with criminal advocacy experience to develop their Crown Court practice within a supportive environment that places access to justice at the heart of its work.

With a varied criminal caseload, opportunities to appear in both the Magistrates' and Crown Courts, and scope to take on greater responsibility as your experience develops, this role offers an exciting next step for an advocate looking to build a long-term career in criminal defence.

The Role

You will represent clients across a range of criminal matters, undertaking advocacy and providing practical legal advice throughout proceedings.

Responsibilities will include:

Representing clients in criminal proceedings, including Crown Court matters.
Undertaking advocacy at hearings and trials.
Advising clients and providing clear, practical guidance on their cases.
Reviewing evidence, preparing cases for hearings and trials, and identifying key legal issues.
Preparing legal submissions, applications and supporting documentation.
Working closely with solicitors and fellow advocates to deliver high-quality representation.
Managing your caseload effectively, meeting deadlines and maintaining excellent client care.
Ensuring compliance with professional, regulatory and Legal Aid Agency requirements.
Contributing to the continued development of the firm's criminal defence practice.

The level of responsibility and complexity of work will reflect your experience and qualifications, with opportunities to further develop your Crown Court advocacy.

About You

We are keen to hear from committed criminal advocates who are passionate about criminal defence and delivering effective representation.

You will ideally have:

Qualification as a Barrister or Solicitor, with the appropriate rights of audience for the role.
Experience of criminal advocacy, gained through pupillage, previous practice or as a qualified solicitor.
Higher Rights of Audience as a Solicitor, or eligibility to undertake the relevant Crown Court advocacy.
Confidence appearing in court and representing clients.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to analyse evidence and identify key issues.
Excellent organisation and the ability to manage competing priorities.
The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.
Sound professional judgement and a commitment to high standards of client care.
A genuine commitment to access to justice.

Applications are welcome from both Barristers and Solicitors, particularly those looking to develop their Crown Court advocacy and establish themselves within criminal defence.

The Firm

This specialist, multi-disciplinary law firm has a strong reputation for its commitment to access to justice and publicly funded legal services. Its Crime team represents clients across the criminal courts, providing legal advice and advocacy to those who need it.

The firm offers a supportive environment where advocates can develop their skills, gain valuable courtroom experience and take on increasing responsibility as their careers progress.

What’s on Offer?

Remote working, with candidates based in London or the South East and able to attend court as required.
Opportunities to develop and undertake Crown Court advocacy.
A varied and challenging criminal caseload.
The chance to work alongside experienced criminal solicitors and advocates.
Support for professional development and continued progression.
The opportunity to build a long-term career within a specialist criminal defence team.