At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate legal team to empower children and young people in their rights.
- Company: Join Clan Childlaw, Scotland's only charity providing free legal representation for children.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to improving access to justice for young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping modern legal practices.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in legal practice management and a commitment to child-centred services.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Head of Legal Services will provide line management, leadership, and professional support to legal staff, strengthening child‑centred practice and building confidence and capacity across the team. You will ensure the legal team is equipped to deliver high‑impact, child‑centred legal services that empower children and young people to use the law to make positive change in their lives. The role will oversee the effective management of legal resources and the day‑to‑day operation of the legal practice, ensuring the smooth delivery of Clan’s services. These include child‑centred legal outreach, the Children’s Rights Helpline, lawyer‑led training, Legal Support for Advocacy, and the Lawyers for Children programme.
You will provide operational leadership across legal practice management, including finance and compliance, case‑flow and resource planning, project delivery, partnership and stakeholder relationships, and the monitoring and evaluation of service impact. The Head of Legal Services will also contribute to the strategic planning and development of Clan’s services, strengthening the organisation’s role within the communities we serve and supporting Clan’s strategy to work alongside others to improve children’s access to justice and their ability to exercise their rights.
About you
Showing a genuine commitment to the mission of Clan Childlaw you will be a proactive, solutions‑focused, confident leader who shapes positive team culture through integrity, clarity, and consistency. With a solid background in legal practice management or senior operations within professional services, you will have experience of leading operational change and allocation of resources to multiple workstreams to balance demand, sustainability, and staff wellbeing. You will be someone who delegates effectively and works alongside their team, taking ownership of performance, compliance, and effectiveness to ensure the team’s success. You will have the ability to deliver on plans and reporting frameworks for legal services that strengthen accountability and demonstrate impact. You will have experience of using insight from data, financial reporting, and feedback to drive continuous improvement and inform operational and strategic decisions.
About Clan Childlaw
Clan Childlaw stands with children and young people when they stand up for their rights. Clan is an award‑winning, independent children’s charity that actively supports children and young people to take ownership of their rights. We are the only charity in Scotland that provides free, independent legal representation exclusively for children and young people, which is child‑centred by design. Because our lawyers work directly with children and young people whose lives are affected by legal decisions, we bring that unique practice‑based knowledge to every aspect of our work. This includes our specialist training, our helpline supporting others who help children to use their voices and their rights, and our work to influence children’s rights respecting changes to practice, policy and law.
What we can offer you
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) increasing to 35 after 2 years’ service
- Auto‑enrolment into our pension scheme after 3 months service
- Offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the option to choose the base location that works best for you.
- Flexibility around your working day and the option to work from home some of the time.
- Access to our employee counselling service.
- Learning and development is important to us and our team. We hope it’s important to you too. You will be encouraged to engage in learning and continued professional development.
If you are motivated by high standards, meaningful responsibility and the opportunity to shape how a modern legal practice operates, we would be keen to hear from you. Please send your CV and a short statement outlining your experience and approach. If you’re thinking of applying but would like to have a chat about it first please get in touch at Please apply with your CV and Cover Letter. Closing date for application is midnight on Sunday 5th April and we expect interviews to take place week commencing 20th April.
Clan Childlaw is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status. Please note: To become an employee at Clan Childlaw you must be able to produce evidence of your Right to Work and Membership of the PVG Scheme is essential for this role and the successful candidate will be required to apply for the scheme and produce an acceptable PVG Scheme Record.
Head of Legal Services in Glasgow employer: Clan Childlaw
Clan Childlaw is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering children and young people through legal advocacy. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive team culture, employees are encouraged to grow and make a meaningful impact in the community. Located in vibrant Edinburgh and Glasgow, Clan offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of children's rights, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in shaping positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Services in Glasgow
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Services in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Clan Childlaw, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Clan Childlaw and the specific role of Head of Legal Services. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Clan Childlaw’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clan Childlaw
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Clan Childlaw.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Clan Childlaw.
