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William James Recruitment

Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor

London
Posted about 17 hours ago
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Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor – Central London - Excellent benefits


We are working with a well-established London law firm to recruit a Newly Qualified Criminal Solicitor to join its growing Criminal Defence team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified solicitor looking to build their career within criminal defence, gaining hands-on experience across a varied caseload while working alongside experienced practitioners.

The role offers early exposure to advocacy, client management and complex criminal matters, with structured support and development available throughout your career.

The Role:

  • Manage a varied caseload of criminal defence matters, including serious and complex cases
  • Attend police stations and represent clients during interviews where appropriate
  • Undertake advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court, with training and support provided
  • Prepare legal advice, correspondence and case documentation
  • Review evidence and assist with case preparation
  • Liaise with clients, courts, counsel and other relevant parties
  • Support senior members of the team on complex matters
  • Maintain accurate case records and ensure deadlines are met
  • Work in accordance with professional, regulatory and quality standards
  • Contribute positively to the wider team and development of the practice

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.

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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your 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.

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It 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.

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Strong

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.

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Strong

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.

About You:

  • SRA-qualified solicitor with a genuine interest in criminal defence
  • Strong communication and client care skills
  • Good organisational and time management abilities
  • Able to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure
  • Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
  • Confident working independently while contributing to a wider team
  • Police Station Accreditation would be advantageous
  • Duty Solicitor status, or a willingness to work towards accreditation
  • Enthusiastic about developing advocacy and litigation skills

The Benefits:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Additional remuneration for out-of-hours work
  • 25 days’ annual leave
  • Structured training and career development
  • Mentoring and support from experienced criminal practitioners
  • Support towards further professional accreditations
  • Assistance with developing advocacy skills and Higher Rights of Audience
  • Supportive and collaborative working environment
  • Excellent opportunities for progression
  • High-quality Central London office

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Apply in the strictest confidence online or via telephone

Contact:

Abigail Lockett, Retained Recruitment Consultant

  • Direct Dial: 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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Skills

Criminal Defence
Advocacy
Client Management
Case Preparation
Legal Advice
Police Station Representation
Litigation
Analytical Skills
Time Management
Communication Skills

Location

London, England, United Kingdom

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