William James Recruitment
Criminal Defence and Civil Litigation Solicitor (Hybrid)

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The Role
Criminal Defence & Civil Litigation Solicitor – Hybrid Working - London or Midlands
A leading international firm is seeking a motivated Solicitor (circa 2 years PQE) to join their established Crime and Civil Litigation team in their Midlands or London office.
This role offers the chance to handle a diverse caseload, combining privately funded criminal defence work with a variety of civil litigation matters including contract disputes and general civil claims, and not limited to personal injury.
You will work within a dynamic, supportive environment where autonomy is encouraged, and you’ll be able to contribute positively to the team while continuing to build and strengthen your expertise.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Qualified Solicitor with circa 2 years PQE (flexible for the right person)
- Strong criminal law experience essential
- Civil litigation exposure highly desirable (e.g. contract disputes, civil claims, general litigation, personal injury)
- Confident managing your own caseload independently
- Excellent communication and client care skills
- Comfortable with a hybrid working pattern and UK travel (approx. one overnight stay per month)
- Proactive, organised, and team-focused
- Confident managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and privately paying clients
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Benefits:
- Hybrid working: average 3 days in office with 2 days from home
- Supportive, collaborative culture with a strong focus on wellbeing
- Exceptional exposure to high-calibre, complex matters within an established international firm
- Exclusively privately funded work with high-net-worth clients
- Working hours 9:00-5:30pm
- Flexible location: London or Midlands preferred
- Strong opportunities for career advancement and continued development
- Financial recognition for organic work with a percentage of new business brought in
- All travel expenses covered, including paid overnight accommodation where required


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Apply in the strictest confidence online or via telephone
Contact:
Abigail Lockett, Recruitment Consultant
Telephone: 0203 918 1665
Mobile: 07494 821 014
Email: Abigail.Lockett@williamjamesrecruitment.com
More About William James Recruitment
William James Recruitment is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy, partnering with leading law firms across the UK and internationally. We work with a range of highly regarded clients, including Legal 500-ranked firms, advising on senior and strategic appointments
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