Recruitment

Current Vacancies


SOLICITOR & PARALEGAL

We set up Commons so we could deliver criminal defence legal services to clients in a new and more sustainable way. Our reputation for creating change in the criminal justice system  is well established and we are recognised in Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, The Times’ Best Law Firms 2025, The Guardian and the Big Issue’s Changemakers 2022. 

We’re expanding our team and need to recruit both a criminal lawyer and a paralegal who can demonstrate their commitment to social justice.  

If you want to join a progressive legal practice, you will have: 

  • a demonstrable interest in civil liberties, human rights and societal change; 

  • the ambition, energy and enthusiasm to play a full part in the development of the organisation; 

  • strong academic credentials;  

Solicitor Role

This role will include advising and representing clients pre-charge and during criminal litigation and contributing to the delivery of our criminal justice project work.

As well as the above, the successful application will have:

  • experience either as a solicitor or barrister in conducting criminal litigation;

  • the ability to provide first-rate legal advice and representation, whether in legally-aided or privately-funded cases;

  • police station accreditation.

In addition, you will stand out if you have:

  • an existing client following; and/or

  • duty solicitor scheme eligibility.

Paralegal Role

The paralegal role will include supporting fee earners in advising and representing clients pre-charge and during criminal litigation.

It is essential that applicants are committed to a future career in criminal defence.

We will prioritise candidates with:

  • previous experience working in a criminal defence firm

  • police station accreditation  

We will consider applicants who are interested in working on a part-time basis. 

Salary (FTE):  

  • Solicitor - £35-45,000pa* Base Salary (*range depending on experience) + overtime and bonus payments (in line with firm profitability), health cash plan, flexible working and pension. 

  • Paralegal - £27,007.50pa Base Salary + overtime and bonus payments (in line with firm profitability), health cash plan and pension. The role is office-based and candidates who can qualify as a solicitor following two years' full-time qualifying work experience will be preferred. 

Start date: ASAP 

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter, explaining clearly why you want to work at Commons, by 9.00am on Monday, 17 February 2025, to info@commons.legal