Crime - Criminal Defence Solicitor job

Annual salary: Dependent on experience

Criminal Defence Solicitors – We'd love to hear from you

Passionate about criminal defence? So are we.

At Stephensons, we are always interested in speaking with talented individuals who share our commitment to protecting the rights of clients and delivering exceptional criminal defence representation. Whether you are a newly qualified or an experienced criminal defence solicitor, we'd welcome a confidential conversation about your future career.

### Why Criminal Defence at Stephensons?

Our Criminal Litigation team is one of the most highly regarded criminal defence practices in the country. They have held a Tier 1 ranking in Legal 500 for 10 consecutive years and have been recognised for their expertise year after year. Our team undertakes serious, complex and high-profile criminal defence work across England and Wales, supported by a strong team of specialist solicitors, advocates and support professionals.

With experienced higher rights advocates and a collaborative team culture, you'll be surrounded by colleagues who are knowledgeable, approachable and committed to supporting one another to succeed.

### The Quality and Variety of Work

Our solicitors represent clients across the full spectrum of criminal defence matters, from police station attendance and Magistrates' Court advocacy through to serious and complex Crown Court cases. We regularly act in cases involving murder, serious violence, sexual offences, organised crime and fraud providing opportunities to work on challenging and rewarding matters throughout your career.

### Why Stephensons is Different

At Stephensons, you'll find the rare combination of high-quality, complex work, genuine flexibility and a people-first culture. We understand that talented criminal defence lawyers have choices, which is why we work hard to create an environment where individuals can develop professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Despite being one of the country's leading criminal defence practices, we've retained a genuinely supportive and down-to-earth culture. Our team members are encouraged to share knowledge, celebrate successes and support one another through challenges.

Click here for more information about the team.

### A Great Place to Build Your Career

Whether you are newly qualified or already established in your career, you'll benefit from a clear development pathway, tailored training and access to experienced mentors. We actively support progression, higher rights qualifications and the development of specialist expertise within criminal defence.

We are proud to have been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 for the second consecutive year, reflecting our commitment to employee wellbeing, engagement and workplace culture.

We're also proud holders of Investors in People Gold accreditation, demonstrating our dedication to developing, supporting and recognising our people.

### About you

We welcome applicants with a wide range of strengths, thinking styles and lived experiences. We’re happy to discuss workplace adjustments or support that help you perform at your best.

At Stephensons, our values are at the heart of everything we do and we welcome those who share our values of approachable, flexible, inclusive, resilient and supportive.

We will make sure you get training and support, which could mean qualifying as a duty solicitor if you’re not already.

### What We Offer

Here's a link to our Reward, recognition and wellbeing page.

Alongside high-quality work and excellent career development opportunities, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

Generous annual leave increasing with service

Flexible and hybrid working

Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits\

Wellbeing support programmes

Holiday buy and sell scheme\

Pension and life assurance schemes

Retail discounts and cashback offers

Will writing service\

Reward and recognition schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Internal referral incentives

* Social events and networking opportunities

Interested? Click the apply now button and we’ll be in touch.