Job Description Criminal Defence Lawyer Salary: £45,000 – £70,000 Benefits Location: Tonbridge Area Specialist Caseload with Private Client Work & Real Career Progression Are you a Criminal Defence Lawyer looking to take the next step into a more specialist, high-quality and client-focused practice? This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected and well-established firm representing privately funded clients across a broad and often complex range of criminal and regulatory matters. Our client offers a rare opportunity to develop specialist expertise in niche areas of criminal law while working within a supportive, growing team that values autonomy, client care, and long-term development. The Role: Diverse and Specialist Criminal Defence Work As a Criminal Defence Lawyer, you will advise and represent clients from investigation through to prosecution across a varied caseload. Key responsibilities include: Advising and representing clients at all stages of the criminal justice process Managing a caseload of privately funded criminal defence matters Handling a broad range of offences from minor to serious criminal allegations Working on regulatory and specialist criminal matters, including: Wildlife offences Firearms and licensing matters Animal welfare cases Environmental offences Agricultural and farming-related prosecutions Country sports-related matters Handling firearms licensing appeals and related advisory work Providing clear, strategic, and client-focused legal advice Team & Working Environment You will join a well-regarded and established legal team with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality defence work. The environment is: Supportive and collaborative Client-focused and commercially aware Professionally structured with strong leadership support Growing and open to specialist development This is a unique opportunity to develop expertise in a highly specialist area of criminal law while building a strong personal caseload. What We’re Looking For Essential: Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive Experience in Criminal Defence Law (all levels of PQE considered) Strong understanding of criminal procedure and case management Ability to handle client-facing work under pressure Excellent communication, advocacy, and advisory skills Strong organisational and case handling ability Desirable: Experience or interest in regulatory and rural crime work, including: Firearms law Wildlife offences Environmental or agricultural crime Experience with privately funded criminal defence work Interest in developing a specialist niche practice area Personal attributes: Calm and resilient under pressure Strong client care focus, particularly with vulnerable or high-profile clients Proactive and detail-oriented approach Able to work independently while contributing to a team environment Salary & Benefits £45,000 – £70,000 salary (dependent on experience) Competitive benefits package Opportunity to develop a specialist criminal defence practice Exposure to high-quality privately funded work Supportive and collaborative team culture Structured professional development and career progression Central office location in Tonbridge area Strong leadership and mentoring support Location & Working Arrangements Tonbridge area office Full-time, office-based role with flexibility where appropriate Access to a varied regional and specialist client base Next Steps To discuss this opportunity in confidence, please contact: David Hawthorne-Finch Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com Alternatively, apply now for further details and a confidential discussion. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.