Description
Head of Criminal Law / Criminal Defence Solicitor
Location: Chester
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive DOE + Benefits
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.
This is a unique opportunity for a solicitor who is looking to take ownership of a department, shape its future direction, and build a successful criminal practice within an established and supportive firm.
The successful candidate will be responsible not only for managing a criminal defence caseload but also for driving the strategic development, growth, and expansion of the department.
The Role
You will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading the Criminal Law Department, developing processes, building referral networks, attracting new business, and creating a successful and profitable practice area.
This role offers genuine autonomy and the opportunity to become a key figure within the firm's leadership structure.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the establishment and growth of the Criminal Law Department
- Managing a varied criminal defence caseload from instruction through to conclusion
- Representing clients at police stations, Magistrates' Courts, and supporting Crown Court matters
- Developing departmental procedures, systems, and workflows
- Driving business development and networking initiatives to generate new work
- Building relationships with clients, professional contacts, and referral sources
- Assisting with recruitment and team growth as the department expands
- Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency and regulatory requirements
- Working closely with senior management on the department's strategic direction and performance
- Delivering exceptional client care and maintaining high professional standards
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Qualified Solicitor with significant criminal defence experience
- Strong technical knowledge of criminal law and criminal procedure
- Experience managing your own caseload independently
- 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
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious Criminal Defence Solicitor who wants to take ownership of a department, influence strategic growth, and build a successful criminal law offering within an expanding firm.
If you are interested or need any more information, Please contact Ryan at Puro Associates on 01904571760 or apply below!
