Solicitor - Criminal Defence - Bristol - 1-4 Years PQE

  • Chadwick Nott
  • Bristol, Gloucestershire
  • Feb 16, 2026
Full time Legal

Job Description

Solicitor - Criminal Defence - Bristol - 1-4 Years PQE

Location: Bristol
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £45,000 to £60,000 (dependent on experience)

A highly respected national legal practice is seeking a Criminal Defence Solicitor (1-4 years PQE) to join its specialist Criminal Defence and Regulatory team in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity to work within one of the largest and most experienced criminal defence/regulatory teams in the UK, handling complex, high profile and varied matters across multiple sectors.

The Role

You'll be responsible for managing a diverse caseload of criminal defence and regulatory matters, including:

  • Defending motor prosecutions, including serious and fatal cases
  • Handling HSE, Local Authority and Environment Agency prosecutions
  • Supporting complex care home and CQC related investigations
  • Assisting with high profile inquests and D&O matters
  • Applying strong technical expertise to achieve positive outcomes on complex cases
  • Managing files in line with client expectations, SLAs and best practice
  • Analysing risk and exercising sound judgement in decision making
  • Prioritising work effectively and maximising efficiency
  • Contributing to team development, knowledge sharing and improved working practices
  • Supporting business development through articles, presentations and seminars
Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a qualified Solicitor with:

  • 1-4 years PQE in criminal defence and/or regulatory work
  • Experience defending HSE prosecutions
  • Strong academic background
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a wider commercial insurance team
  • Confidence to support junior colleagues where required
  • Motivation to contribute to business development and client training
  • A proactive, self motivated and commercially aware approach
What's on Offer

The firm provides:

  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
  • Flexible benefits tailored to individual and family needs
  • Robust wellbeing and support programmes
  • A fair, engaging and supportive recruitment process
  • Ongoing training, development and clear career progression opportunities
How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Email:
Phone: /

The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.