At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and supervise criminal appeals for women affected by male violence.
- Company: CWJ, a feminist legal organisation dedicated to justice for women.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, supportive environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Women-only role due to the sensitive nature of the work.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team fighting for justice and women's rights.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in criminal law and appeals.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
This is a new position within CWJ, and will involve working with our CEO, Harriet Wistrich, on potential miscarriages of justice relating to women who have offended in response to male violence. Cases will range from convictions arising from coerced offending, counter allegations, victims of trafficking and grooming gangs, to advising on appeals by those convicted of murder or manslaughter at the CACD and CCRC. We would consider the role at 30 hours per week.
Role Purpose
To lead and supervise legal work challenging the criminalisation of women who have been prosecuted for offences that have arisen as a result of male violence, coercion or abuse. The role will provide expert oversight of complex criminal appeals and review cases, ensuring that women’s experiences are properly recognised within the legal process and that cases are progressed to the highest professional standard using a feminist, trauma‑informed approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise criminal appeals and reviews for women prosecuted in the context of male violence, coercion, or abuse.
- Manage a caseload of strategic criminal appeals, ensuring trauma-informed and feminist legal practice.
- Maintain Legal Aid Agency supervisor status and compliance.
- Supervise and support junior legal staff.
- Collaborate with partner organisations and contribute to CWJ’s litigation strategy.
- Engage in training, media, and sector-wide advocacy.
Essential Criteria
- Qualified solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) with at least three years’ post-qualification experience.
- Meets Legal Aid Agency criteria for criminal appeals supervisor.
- Strong experience in criminal law, especially appeals and legal aid casework.
- Commitment to CWJ’s feminist values and anti-oppression approach.
- Excellent communication and self-management skills.
- Understanding of issues affecting disadvantaged and marginalised groups, especially violence against women and girls.
Women-only: We deal directly with victims of sexual violence, therefore it is a genuine requirement that this role is carried out by women only - Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.
Solicitor/Barrister - Criminal Appeals Supervisor (women only*) in London employer: Centre for Women's Justice
CWJ is an exceptional employer dedicated to advocating for women's rights and addressing miscarriages of justice. With a strong commitment to feminist values and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of disadvantaged women. The role offers opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with partner organisations, and engagement in sector-wide advocacy, all within a trauma-informed framework.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor/Barrister - Criminal Appeals Supervisor (women only*) in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for criminal law and advocacy shine through. Share your experiences and why you care about issues like miscarriages of justice. We want to see that fire in you!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research CWJ, understand their mission, and think about how your values align with theirs. We love candidates who come prepared with thoughtful questions and insights about our work.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who resonate with our feminist values.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor/Barrister - Criminal Appeals Supervisor (women only*) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Solicitor/Barrister role. Highlight your experience in criminal law and any relevant cases you've worked on that align with CWJ's mission.
Show Your Passion:Let us see your commitment to feminist values and anti-oppression approaches. Share personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your dedication to supporting women affected by male violence.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application is received directly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centre for Women's Justice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key issues surrounding criminal law, especially those affecting women. Brush up on recent cases and legal precedents related to coerced offending and male violence. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Since this role is deeply rooted in feminist values and anti-oppression, be prepared to discuss how these principles guide your work. Share specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your commitment to supporting disadvantaged groups, particularly women affected by violence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a supervisor, you’ll need to lead and support junior staff. Think of instances where you’ve successfully managed a team or mentored others. Highlight your ability to foster a trauma-informed approach in your leadership style, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about CWJ’s litigation strategy and how they collaborate with partner organisations. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
