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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead practice management and business development for a prestigious barristers' chambers.
- Company: Drystone Chambers is a renowned London-based set specialising in criminal law.
- Benefits: Enjoy a strategic leadership role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a respected chambers while promoting values of integrity and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Strong managerial skills, strategic outlook, and knowledge of regulatory environments are essential.
- Other info: Applications close on 20th June 2025; reach out for a detailed Candidate Brief.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our client, Drystone Chambers, the Chambers of Allison Summers KC, is a London-based set with an excellent reputation in criminal law. Members of Chambers regularly appear for both the defence and prosecution in a wide range of serious and complex cases throughout London and on the Southeastern, Midland and Western Circuits. In addition to the pure criminal work, Chambers also has an established reputation in local authority and trading standards.
The Role
Chambers is seeking an ambitious and strategic individual to lead its practice management and business development functions. This newly created senior leadership role will play a key part in shaping Chambers’ future, enhancing its brand and market position, and ensuring operational excellence in line with its values of professionalism, integrity, and inclusion.
The PD is expected to provide oversight and leadership of practice management and strategic delivery to develop the business of Chambers. The successful candidate will be an effective manager and leader, with strong interpersonal skills and a strategic outlook. They will have oversight of the delivery of practice management in Chambers. They must be aware of the regulatory environment in which a Chambers operates and be able to manage the day to day practice management and business strategy. They will advise the Management Committee in settling a strategic business development/delivery plan and budget (within relevant areas). They will be responsible for overseeing its delivery through effective practice management.
The PD will be part of the Senior Management of Chambers and will be accountable to the Head of Chambers and the Management Committee. The PD will not be responsible for financial management or administration, but will be expected to work effectively in collaboration with both the Finance Manager and Head of Operations to ensure Chambers performs effectively in meeting its regulatory obligations and to realise its business development/delivery plan. This tripartite team will be coordinated by Chambers’ Head of Operations.
The PD will be expected to attend regular meetings with the Finance Manager and Head of Operations in addition to holding their own meetings with members of the clerking staff.
How to Apply
Please send your CV, clearly setting out your experience, skills and why you are interested in the role, to exclusively retained consultants GRL Legal. To discuss the role in confidence, please contact Matt, Paul, or Nick. A detailed Candidate Brief is available upon request and the deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, 20th June 2025.
Contact Detail:
GRL Legal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Director - Leading Barristers\' Chambers - London
✨Tip Number 1
Research Drystone Chambers thoroughly. Understand their values, recent cases, and strategic goals. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former members of Drystone Chambers. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the culture and expectations of the role, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of professionalism, integrity, and inclusion. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven business development in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory environment surrounding barristers' chambers. Being knowledgeable about these regulations will show that you are prepared to handle the complexities of practice management effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Director - Leading Barristers\' Chambers - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Practice Director role. Familiarise yourself with Drystone Chambers and their values to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Tailored CV: Your CV should highlight relevant experience in practice management and business development. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and develop strategic plans.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are interested in this specific role at Drystone Chambers. Discuss how your skills align with their needs and how you can contribute to enhancing their brand and market position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial for a senior leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at GRL Legal
✨Understand the Chambers' Values
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the values of professionalism, integrity, and inclusion that Drystone Chambers upholds. Be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs and provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate this alignment.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Practice Director, you'll need to have a strategic outlook. Prepare to articulate your vision for the future of the Chambers and how you plan to enhance its brand and market position. Think about specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that could be relevant.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in managing teams and leading projects. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully motivated and guided others, particularly in a legal or professional services context. This will show that you can effectively oversee practice management.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Regulatory Environments
Since the role involves understanding the regulatory environment of a Chambers, brush up on relevant regulations and compliance issues. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your preparedness for the role and your ability to manage day-to-day operations effectively.
