Senior Criminal Lawyer - Leeds Non-Legal Aid | Private Client Practice About the Opportunity A leading national law firm is seeking an experienced Criminal Lawyer to join and develop their private client crime practice in Leeds at Senior Associate level. The Role This is an exceptional opportunity to work exclusively with private paying clients on complex and serious criminal matters, without the pressures of legal aid work. The firm has particular expertise in: Firearms offences Complex and serious sexual offences Supporting vulnerable clients with capacity issues The caseload comprises high-quality, rewarding work generated through word of mouth, internal referrals, and targeted business development. Key Benefits No on-call rota - better work-life balance with no regular out-of-hours requirements Clear progression pathway - excellent opportunities for career development within the team structure Hybrid working - 2 days per week in the office (increased initially during onboarding) Competitive salary - up to circa £80,000 depending on experience Stable environment - move away from legal aid while maintaining your passion for criminal work Ideal Candidate Minimum 7 years' PQE in general crime, business crime, or regulatory work Experienced in handling complex criminal matters Passionate about criminal law and client care Ready to take a senior role in developing the Northern practice Location Leeds This is an excellent opportunity for legal aid practitioners looking to transition into private client work within a more secure and stable environment, while continuing to practice the criminal law they're passionate about. To apply or discuss this opportunity in confidence, please get in touch.