Criminal Solicitor

Howells Solicitors Limited.; Rotherham; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable law firm in the United Kingdom is seeking experienced Criminal Solicitors to join their busy Criminal Department. Candidates should have a strong knowledge of criminal defence law, the ability to represent clients at police stations, and conduct advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court. Newly qualified solicitors or those looking to retrain in Criminal Law are also welcome to apply. The firm offers competitive benefits, including flexible working options and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

30 days of annual leave

Flexible working patterns

Contributory pension scheme

Inclusive team culture

Training and development programmes

Sick pay and maternity pay

Recruitment bonus payments

Qualifications

• Experience representing clients in a range of criminal offences.
• Ability to conduct advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court.
• Membership in the Criminal Law Accreditation Scheme.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of criminal defence law and practice.
• Represent clients at police stations.
• Conduct own advocacy in court.

Skills

Criminal defence law knowledge

Client representation

Advocacy in Magistrates’ Court

Higher Rights qualification

Education

Legal qualification

Job description

We are searching for committed and experienced Criminal Solicitors to join our busy Criminal Department based at our offices in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley.

Criminal Solicitor Vacancy

As a successful criminal solicitor, you will demonstrate a good knowledge of criminal defence law and practice, and will be members of the Criminal Law Accreditation Scheme. You will have experience with and be confident to represent clients at the police station on a wide range of offences, and conduct your own advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court. Higher Rights qualification and experience in the Crown Court would be an advantage. We will also consider applications from newly qualified solicitors or those wishing to re‑train in Criminal Law.

About Howells Solicitors

Howells Solicitors is a well‑established and highly regarded law firm serving clients across South Yorkshire—and nationwide in select areas of law.

With offices in Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley, we provide expert legal advice and representation to individuals and families, offering both private and legal aid services. Our focus is on delivering high‑quality, personal legal support across a broad range of areas, including property law, family law, wills and probate, criminal defence, and civil litigation.

Our Conveyancing team is known for its professionalism, efficiency, and client‑focused approach. We are proud of our strong reputation in the region, with excellent client feedback and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Howells offer a wide range of benefits including:

Holiday Entitlement

We understand the importance of quality time – especially if you have a family at home. That’s why our holiday entitlement is designed to give you the time you need to truly switch off and enjoy life outside of work.

• Fee earners and managers receive 30 days of annual leave—well above the regional average for law firms.
• Support staff start with 23 days, increasing by 1 day each year of service up to 28 days, rewarding your commitment over time.
• Everyone also benefits from 3 additional discretionary days over the Christmas period, giving you more time to spend with loved ones during the holidays.
• On top of this, there are 8 bank holidays throughout the year.

Whether it’s school holidays, family travel, or simply time to recharge, we offer the flexibility and generous leave you need to make it all work.

Flexible Working

We believe that a healthy work life balance is important, so we’ve built flexibility into the way we work. We offer flexible working for many of our roles across the firm.

Whether it’s school runs, family commitments, or simply needing a bit more breathing room in your schedule, we offer a range of flexible working options designed to support you:

• Flexible working patterns are available for many roles across the firm, including opportunities for remote or hybrid working, depending on your position.
• Our flexi‑time scheme means there is potential to adjust your start and finish times to better suit your family’s routine.
• You’ll also have the option to take up to 4 flex days per year, in addition to your holiday entitlement, giving you extra time for those moments that matter most.

We’re committed to helping you thrive in your role—without having to compromise on your personal and family life.

Other Benefits

And there’s even more to support you throughout your career with us. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits that reflect our commitment to your personal, professional, and financial wellbeing:

• Contributory pension scheme to help plan for your future
• Supportive, inclusive team culture, where 89% of our people choose to stay
• Group Life Assurance (death in service) after 2 years’ service
• STAR Award (Special Thanks and Recognition) – celebrating those who go above and beyond
• Exceptional training and development programmes, including alternative routes into law
• A firm‑wide ethos of promoting from within, with clear, tailored career progression opportunities
• Sick pay and contractual maternity pay entitlements, offering added peace of mind for you and your family
• Recruitment bonus payments for successful referrals
• Access to a Social Fund to support team events and wellbeing activities
• A range of voluntary benefits including the Westfield Health scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, and staff savings scheme

We’re proud to offer a workplace where your success is nurtured—and your wellbeing supported every step of the way.

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy please contact Claire Bond, HR Manager on 0114 249 6763 or email [email protected]

Please send all completed applications to [email protected] with the position applied for in the subject line.

Please note, individual feedback will not be given due to the number of applicants we receive.

Salary: Dependent on experience. Contract Type: Full Time. Closing Date: Years Of Experience: Apply Now.

Related Positions: No related positions.