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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in legal practice development while managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Irwin Mitchell, a national law firm with a friendly and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while supporting clients and communities.
- Qualifications: Senior qualified lawyer with leadership experience and a passion for legal excellence.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workplace committed to social responsibility and well-being.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re a national law firm with a local reach. Our legal experts are here for you. Whether it’s personal or business, we understand that everyone’s situation is different. But we’re more than just a law firm – we’re a team of people working together to help individuals and businesses navigate life’s ups and downs. Working here you’ll feel a part of our friendly and inclusive environment. We’ll value you for who you are and what you bring. We support each other and push boundaries to achieve incredible things and make a real difference to our clients and communities.
Your Role
Reporting to the Technical Director in Technical Client Services, you will serve as the Head of Practice Development, combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery as a Senior Practice Development Lawyer (PDL) within a designated business unit. This dual role involves managing the Legal Practice Development team, aligning legal excellence with business priorities, and driving firmwide knowledge initiatives.
What You Will Be Doing
- Lead and coordinate the Practice Development function
- Manage Lead PDLs and their sub-teams across the firm
- Collaborate with Managing Partners, Heads of Departments, and Technical Leads
- Align development activity with business strategy and legal excellence
- Support the implementation of the Technical Client Services (TCS) strategy
PDL Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage legal technical knowledge within your practice area
- Lead initiatives on precedents, guidance, and legal training
- Provide horizon scanning, commentary, and analysis
- Ensure knowledge is accessible to support legal work, client relationships, and business development
- Contribute to cross-practice consistency and firmwide knowledge sharing
About You
- A senior qualified lawyer with deep expertise in legal technical knowledge
- Proven leadership experience, ideally managing teams of PDLs or PSLs
- Strategic thinker with strong collaboration skills across departments
- Passionate about legal excellence, innovation, and client service
- Skilled in developing precedents, training programs, and knowledge systems
- Comfortable balancing high-level leadership with hands-on delivery
We’re proud of our values, and we’re looking for people who share them:
- To be pioneering with an imaginative outlook
- To be approachable and caring
- To be tenacious in the pursuit of our objectives
- To be efficient in the provision of our services
- To work with a foundation of integrity.
Our Benefits - What We Can Offer You
- 28 days holidays as standard plus bank holidays - You can ‘buy’ up to 35hrs of extra holiday too.
- Private medical insurance – single parent or couple
- Generous and flexible pension schemes.
- Volunteering days – Two days of volunteering every year for a cause of your choice (fully paid)
- Westfield Health membership, offering refunds on medical services alongside our Aviva Digital GP services.
- Car parking in regional offices
We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported. This includes our Flexible by Choice programme which gives our colleagues more choice over a hybrid way of working subject to role, team and client requirements. We have been ranked in the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing for Large Organisations for 2024!
Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim. Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.
Additional Information
As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group’s on-boarding process all successful applicants are required to complete the group’s employment screening process. This process helps to ensure that all new employees meet our standards in relation to honesty and integrity therefore protecting the interests of the Group, colleagues, clients, partners and other stakeholders. We carry out pre-employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record and financial checks with our trusted 3rd parties. The employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws. Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.
Head of Practice Development in England employer: Irwin Mitchell
Contact Detail:
Irwin Mitchell Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Practice Development in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Irwin Mitchell on LinkedIn. A friendly message can go a long way in getting your foot in the door and showing your genuine interest in the Head of Practice Development role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the firm’s values and recent initiatives. We want to see how you align with their mission of legal excellence and community support, so be ready to share your thoughts on how you can contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the job to come to you! Apply through our website and keep an eye on new openings. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of being among the first applicants.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can help you stand out and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Practice Development in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Practice Development role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our values at Irwin Mitchell. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Legal Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your legal technical knowledge! Share specific examples of how you've developed precedents or training programmes in the past. This is your chance to shine and show us what you can bring to the table.
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so let your personality come through in your application. Share your passion for legal excellence and innovation, and don’t be afraid to express why you want to join our friendly and inclusive environment.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin Mitchell
✨Know Your Stuff
As a candidate for the Head of Practice Development role, it's crucial to brush up on your legal technical knowledge. Be prepared to discuss recent developments in law and how they align with Irwin Mitchell's business strategy. This shows that you’re not just knowledgeable but also strategic in your thinking.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing teams, be ready to share specific examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in developing legal training programs or initiatives. Highlight your ability to inspire and collaborate with others.
✨Align with Company Values
Irwin Mitchell values integrity, innovation, and a caring approach. During the interview, make sure to express how your personal values align with theirs. Share stories that demonstrate your commitment to these principles, especially in challenging situations.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s approach to practice development and how they support their teams. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if the company culture is the right fit for you.