Criminal Defence Solicitor (Associate / Senior Associate)

About the role

Join a nationally recognised Criminal Defence team in Bristol, handling complex regulatory investigations, criminal prosecutions and inquests for insurers, corporate clients and individuals. You will work on high‑profile matters ranging from Health & Safety Executive prosecutions to fatal motor accident cases.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload from initial instruction through to resolution.
• Advise clients facing HSE, Environment Agency, local authority and CQC investigations.
• Represent clients in criminal prosecutions, including motor offences and fatal accident cases.
• Contribute to business development, client training and raising the team’s profile.

Required profile

• Qualified solicitor with at least three years’ post‑qualification experience.
• Strong background in criminal defence and regulatory work, especially defending HSE prosecutions.
• Excellent advocacy, drafting and client‑management abilities.
• Commercially aware, technically strong and able to manage complex matters confidently.
• Collaborative, well‑organised and keen to develop client relationships.

Required skills

• Advocacy and courtroom representation.
• Legal drafting and document preparation.
• Client relationship management.
• Commercial awareness in the insurance and regulatory sectors.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
• Access to market‑leading, high‑profile work.
• Long‑term career progression within a large specialist team.
• Collaborative culture in a nationally recognised law firm.