Criminal Lawyer (3+PQE)

Criminal, Crime, Lawyer, Solicitor, Associate, Senior Associate

Your new company

Our client is a specialist criminal defence practice recently acquired by a national mid-tier law firm. They have offices across Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Chatswood, and Paramatta). They have over 200 employee's nationally and are looking to grow further!

The firm is going through a major re-branding which makes it an exciting time to join. The firm prides itself on thorough case preparation, a collaborative culture and has a strong track record in bail applications, summary hearings, jury and judge-alone trials, sentence proceedings and appeals. You’ll join a diverse, multilingual team committed to accountability, accessibility and achieving the best possible outcomes for every client.

Your new role

Our client is looking for an experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer to manage a varied caseload from first interview through to trial and appeal. You’ll work alongside accredited criminal law specialists and senior counsel on complex matters, contributing to strategy sessions and mentoring junior colleagues. This role offers exposure to high-profile cases and the opportunity to shape your own professional development. The team handles a broad spectrum of criminal matters, including:

  • Appeals
  • Assault
  • AVO (Apprehended Violence Orders)
  • Child Abuse Material
  • Children’s Court matters
  • Destroying / Damaging Property
  • Driving / Traffic Offences
  • Drug Offences
  • Fraud Offences
  • Murder & Manslaughter
  • RSPCA prosecutions
  • Sentences
  • Sexual Offences

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct client interviews, take instructions and deliver clear, tailored legal advice.
  • Represent clients in Local, District and Supreme Courts for bail hearings, committals, trials and sentencing.
  • Draft court documents, including indictments, affidavits, submissions and appeal books.
  • Liaise with prosecutors, police, expert witnesses and other stakeholders to negotiate resolutions and manage case progress.
  • Stay up to date with legislative changes, case law developments and best practice in criminal defence.
  • Mentor junior lawyers and paralegals, providing feedback on advocacy, drafting and case management.
  • Contribute to business development initiatives, client seminars and internal training.

What you'll need to succeed

  • Admitted to practice in New South Wales, holding a current practising certificate.
  • 3–8 years’ PQE in criminal law, with demonstrated advocacy skills across bail, summary hearings and trials.
  • Strong drafting ability and a talent for distilling complex legal issues into practical advice.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the capacity to build rapport and trust under pressure.
  • Resilience and adaptability in managing multiple high-intensity files.
  • Accredited Criminal Law Specialist status (or actively working towards accreditation) is highly desirable.
  • Multilingual capabilities and cultural awareness are advantageous.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.



LHS 297508

Summary

Job Type
Permanent
Industry
Legal
Location
NSW - Sydney CBD
Specialism
Legal
Pay
Market rate
Ref:
2950722

Talk to a consultant

Talk to Harry Davies, the specialist consultant managing this position, located in Sydney
Level 13, Chifley Tower, 2 Chifley Square

Telephone: 0280626192

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