Solicitor - Criminal Defence

Why join us?

The Commercial Insurance team at DWF provides high-quality commercial advice on a wide range of matters to insurers and their insureds. The Criminal Defence sub-team, probably the largest of its kind in the UK, is looking for a Criminal Defence Solicitor to join our sub-team, to be based in our Bristol office.

The Criminal Defence Team has national coverage across the UK with experts in many different classes of criminal investigations, prosecutions and inquests, including high profile inquest and D&O cases; defending motor prosecutions – routinely the more serious/fatal matters; defending HSE and Local Authority/Environment Agency prosecutions; complex care home and CQC-related cases.

This represents an exciting opportunity to work within a busy national team that deals with interesting and high-profile cases across a range of sectors.

Main Duties:

• Exhibitahighleveloftechnicalexpertiseandanabilitytoapplyitcommerciallyandprofessionallyachievingpositiveresultsonlargeandcomplexcases.
• Achieveindividualfinancialtargetsinlinewiththesalesplan.
• Understandclientrequirementsandmanagecasesinlinewithservice-levelagreementsandbestpractices.
• Analyseriskandfurtherdevelopsoundjudgementenablingthejustificationofdecisionstoclientsinternallyandexternally.
• Prioritiseworkeffectivelyandmaximiseefficiencyinworkingpractices.
• Understandindividualrolesinthecontextofthepracticegroupandproactivelyseektocontributetoincreasedefficiencyindevelopingacaseloadappropriatetotheleveloftechnical,andlegalknowledge.
• Buildworkingrelationshipsinternallyandexternallytodevelopbusinessnetworksandcreateasolidunderstandingofthe Firm’sdirectionandclientneeds–playingapro-activeroleinbusinessdevelopmentincludingwritingarticles,deliveringpresentationsandfacilitatingseminars.
• Developincreasedlevelsoftechnicalandcommercialknowledgeviatrainingorsupervisedworkingpractices.

Person Specification:

• Applicants will be considered from 1 - 4 years PQE, and must have a background in criminal defence/regulatory work, including defending HSE prosecutions.
• Weareseekingcandidateswithstrongoverallacademicperformance.
• Thecandidatewillhavetheabilitytoworkwellwithinthewider Commercial Insurance team ,toself-motivateandtoprovideguidanceandsupporttomorejuniorteammemberswhenrequired.
• Thesuccessfulapplicantwillneedtoproactivelyassistinwiderbusinessdevelopment,forexamplehelpingtodelivertrainingandcommunicatingrelevantlegalupdatestoclients.
• Theywillneedexcellentcommunicationandorganisationalskills.

At DWF, we deeply appreciate the significance of offering a comprehensive rewards package that extends beyond a basic salary. Our commitment is to ensure that each member of our team not only feels valued but is also duly rewarded throughout their tenure with us. Upon joining our organisation, you will have the opportunity to select from a diverse array of benefits, allowing you to carefully tailor a package that perfectly aligns with your individual needs and those of your family.

In addition to our standard benefits, we offer a wide range of flexible benefits and robust well-being programs.

Our recruitment process upholds the highest standards of fairness and engagement. It includes comprehensive interviews and, at times, a written assessment, an assessment day, or presentation. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support.

DWF is a global legal business providing Complex, Managed and Connected Services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.