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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic crime team, mentor junior solicitors, and oversee complex cases.
- Company: A leading law firm in Leeds with a focus on high performance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape a thriving team.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real impact in criminal law.
- Qualifications: 3+ years PQE in criminal law, mentoring experience, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and influence within a busy office.
A leading Leeds law firm is on the hunt for a Deputy Head of Crime - An ambitious, experienced solicitor ready to take charge, mentor a talented team, and shape the future of a busy, high-performing office. This is your chance to move beyond day-to-day casework and step into a leadership role where your impact is immediate and visible.
You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Head of the Leeds Office, driving the team’s performance, overseeing casework, and ensuring every client receives top-tier representation. You’ll mentor junior colleagues, lead training initiatives, and provide hands-on guidance in complex or sensitive cases. In short: you’ll be at the heart of the action, helping a high-achieving team reach the next level.
What You’ll Be Doing- Supervise and support the Crime team, ensuring cases run smoothly and efficiently.
- Allocate workloads and manage priorities across the office.
- Conduct file reviews to guarantee compliance with LAA, SRA, and firm standards.
- Provide practical guidance on complex cases and oversee junior colleagues.
- Drive training, quality assurance, and performance monitoring initiatives.
- Act as a senior point of contact in the Head of Office’s absence.
- A criminal law solicitor with 3+ years PQE (family law experience is a bonus, but not essential).
- Experienced in mentoring or supervising junior staff and leading by example.
- Confident advocate with excellent case management and organisational skills.
- Natural leader: collaborative, decisive, and unafraid to take responsibility.
- Skilled communicator with strong interpersonal abilities.
- Knowledgeable about LAA requirements, regulatory compliance, and quality standards.
This isn’t just another solicitor position - It’s a chance to step into leadership, shape a high-performing crime team, and make a real difference. You’ll influence the growth of the Leeds office, develop junior talent, and take ownership of key cases while cementing your reputation as a senior criminal law professional. If you’re ready to take the reins and accelerate your career, get in touch with me in confidence to explore this opportunity.
Head of Crime in Leeds employer: Clayton Legal
Contact Detail:
Clayton Legal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Crime in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other legal professionals in Leeds. Attend industry events, join local law groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you’re chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience in mentoring and supervising junior staff. Share specific examples of how you’ve driven team performance and improved case outcomes. This will set you apart as a natural leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the firm thoroughly and understand their values and goals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success, especially in shaping the future of their crime team. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Crime in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Deputy Head of Crime role. Highlight your leadership experience, mentoring abilities, and any relevant casework to show us you’re the perfect fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the ideal candidate. Don’t forget to mention your vision for leading the crime team!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s successful case outcomes or mentoring success stories, we want to see how you’ve made a difference.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clayton Legal
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your criminal law knowledge, especially any recent changes in legislation or high-profile cases. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just experienced but also current and engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored or supervised junior colleagues in the past. Think about specific situations where your guidance made a difference, as this role is all about leading a team and driving performance.
✨Understand the Firm's Values
Research the law firm’s culture and values. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their approach to case management or how they support professional development within the team. This demonstrates your interest in the role and your proactive mindset.
