Criminal Solicitor 0-5 - PQE

It is a fantastic time to consider joining B P Collins - we are a distinguished law firm acknowledged by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners and featured in The Times Best Law Firms 2024. Our renowned practice areas are led by 22 dedicated partners and a team of over 130 professionals across London, Gerrards Cross and Thame in Oxfordshire.

At the heart of our core values and people is our culture which is ambitious, diverse and forward-looking. We are dedicated to our clients and provide quality advice in a timely and concise manner.

This is a privately funded role, with no legal aid work. It offers the opportunity to advise individuals, families and businesses on sensitive criminal, motoring, victims rights and regulatory matters where the outcome is genuinely important to the client.

The role would suit a solicitor who is looking for better quality work, a more supportive environment and a clearer platform to develop their career. You will be joining a team that is busy, well regarded and continuing to grow.

The role

You will work within a small and experienced criminal law team of 3 solicitors, handling a broad range of privately funded criminal, motoring, victims rights and regulatory matters.

You will also be part of B P Collins’ wider Dispute Resolution practice, working alongside 24 colleagues across the team. This gives you close support within a specialist team, together with the wider collaboration, cross-referral opportunities and the depth of a substantial disputes practice.

You will be involved from the early stages of a matter, helping clients understand the process, assess risk and prepare their response. You will also assist with case strategy, drafting, advocacy where appropriate, instructing counsel and progressing matters through investigation, negotiation or court proceedings.

The work may include

·        Police station advice and interviews under caution

·        Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court matters

·        Assault, theft, harassment and sexual allegations

·        Business crime, fraud, bribery and corruption

·        Cyber crime and regulatory investigations

·        Road traffic offences, including drink driving, drug driving, careless driving, dangerous driving and speeding

·        Fatal road traffic investigations

·        Restraining orders

·        Victims’ rights and Right to Review matters

·        Professional discipline and reputation-sensitive issues

Why this role

This is a strong next step for a solicitor who wants more from their working environment and career.

At B P Collins, you will be trusted with meaningful work, supported by experienced colleagues and encouraged to develop your own client relationships over time. The work is varied, privately funded and often highly personal to the client, requiring calm judgement, clear advice and careful preparation.

For someone who enjoys direct client contact, quality casework and being part of a collaborative team, this role offers real scope to grow.

About you

We are looking for a solicitor with around 0–5 years’ PQE and a sound grounding in criminal law.

You will have:

·        Experience advising clients in criminal proceedings

·        Good knowledge of criminal procedure

·        Strong client care and communication skills

·        The ability to manage a varied caseload with care and attention

·        Good drafting, preparation and file management skills

·        A calm, practical and discreet approach

·        Confidence working independently, while contributing to a supportive team

Experience of privately funded criminal work, motoring offences, regulatory investigations or professional discipline matters would be helpful, but is not essential.

We would also consider candidates with legal aid experience across these areas who are interested in moving into high-quality privately funded work.

What we value

We are looking for someone who is thoughtful, reliable and committed to high standards.

You will be trusted to give clear advice, manage matters carefully, communicate well with clients and contribute positively to the team around you.

As the practice continues to grow, you will also have the opportunity to develop strong client relationships, support business development and play an active role in the wider success of the Criminal Law team.

What we offer:

• Competitive remuneration and benefits package that reflects and rewards your experience
  
• Hybrid / flexible working opportunities with great technology and welcoming agile offices
  
• An inclusive and open culture which focuses on teamwork and collaboration
  
• Supportive leadership with a structured trajectory career progression platform
  
• Private healthcare and related l initiatives integral to wellbeing and high performance
  

B P Collins believes diversity brings benefits to our clients, our business and our people. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

B P Collins uses its staff and extensive referral networks to fill many positions. However, where this is proving difficult, we will consider receiving applications from recruitment agents.

We work with a number of recruitment agencies with whom, over time, we have built strong relationships and these consultants are familiar with our brand, culture and reputation.

If an agency wishes to submit a candidate cv for the above position,  the HR team must be contacted to agree terms & conditions in advance of sending through any applicants.