Criminal defence solicitor - start up department role

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!