At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic legal work to advocate for families and children in poverty.
- Company: Join CPAG, a passionate organisation dedicated to social justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contribution, flexible working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable families through impactful litigation.
- Qualifications: E&W qualified solicitor with substantial public law litigation experience.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead CPAG’s strategic legal work. As Head of Strategic Litigation, you will oversee and carry out CPAG’s work of using legal cases for positive impact, to benefit families and children in poverty. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of CPAG’s legal work, in addition to managing CPAG’s legal practice, including our legal aid (public law) contract, and playing an active role in conducting high-profile litigation on a day-to-day basis.
CPAG’s legal team currently consists of the Head of Strategic Litigation and a newly qualified solicitor. Some legal casework is also undertaken by highly experienced welfare rights advisers who sit in CPAG’s welfare rights team. Such work predominately consists of statutory appeals in the Upper Tribunal and you will be responsible for overseeing such work and for conduct of the case should it go up to the Court of Appeal or higher.
We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about using the law to advocate for the rights of and directly improve the lives of families in poverty. You will be a solicitor (E&W qualified) with substantial post-qualification experience. You will have experience of conducting public law litigation and legal aid (publicly funded) work. You will be able to supervise the casework of colleagues and support the professional development and wellbeing of your team. You may have experience of working with clients in vulnerable situations or with additional needs, for example, survivors of domestic abuse, refugees, disabled people or children and young people. Knowledge of and experience in the social security field is an advantage but is not a requisite of the post. You will be fully supported in understanding the complexities of social security legislation by experienced welfare rights colleagues.
Given the responsibilities of the post and that you will be the most senior lawyer in the organisation, we are happy to discuss mechanisms for providing additional support to the post-holder, including use of external costs support and external legal supervision.
- Hours: 35 per week. CPAG operates a ‘core hours’ and flexi/TOIL (Time Off In Lieu) policy. Flexible working arrangements will be considered (e.g. part time, compressed hours).
- Salary: Band E 95-105% (£51,458 - £56,875) plus 5.64% of salary pension employer contribution.
- Contract: Permanent
- Location: London (with hybrid working options)
We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.
For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Strategic Litigation job pack and application form. If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process please contact us at. To apply, please return the application form, taking particular care to provide full details of how you meet the person specification. Please send your application to.
Application closing date: midnight 10 June 2026
Interviews will be held on: rolling basis at CPAG’s London office
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the position before submitting the application, please contact and we will arrange this for you.
Head of Strategic Litigation employer: Child Poverty Action Group
CPAG is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful legal work aimed at improving the lives of families in poverty. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, CPAG fosters a supportive work culture that values professional development and well-being, alongside flexible working arrangements to suit individual needs. Located in London, the role provides access to a dynamic legal environment where you can make a meaningful difference while enjoying competitive benefits, including a generous pension contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Litigation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in public law or strategic litigation. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CPAG’s recent cases and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just passionate about the role but also informed about our work and how you can contribute to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for strategic litigation and how you plan to lead the team effectively. We want to hear your ideas on advocating for families in poverty.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Litigation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what we're looking for. Highlight the key responsibilities and requirements in the job description so you can tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out the application form, be specific about your relevant experience. Use examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in public law litigation and managing legal teams. We want to see how you've made a positive impact in similar roles!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We're not just looking for qualifications; we want to know about your passion for advocating for families in poverty. Share your motivations and why this role excites you!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Child Poverty Action Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in public law litigation and legal aid work. Brush up on recent cases that have made an impact in the field, especially those related to families in poverty. This will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Strategic Litigation, you’ll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in supervising casework and supporting colleagues’ professional development.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with CPAG’s mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of advocating for families in poverty. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the organisation’s strategic direction, team dynamics, and how they measure success in their legal work. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
