At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex appeal cases and support clients through challenging legal proceedings.
- Company: APPEAL, a charity fighting miscarriages of justice in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to systemic reform and client support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the criminal justice system and advocate for the wrongfully convicted.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with at least two years in criminal defence work.
The predicted salary is between 42600 - 46300 ÂŁ per year.
APPEAL are recruiting a Barrister/Solicitor.
Location: APPEAL's offices, Holborn, London
Salary: ÂŁ42,600 to ÂŁ46,300 depending on experience + benefits
Apply by: 30 September 2025
Interviews: Mid to end of October 2025
About APPEAL
APPEAL is a charity and law practice that fights miscarriages of justice. We represent people who have been wrongfully convicted or unfairly sentenced. Our team of lawyers, investigators, and survivor advocates work together to secure justice where the system has failed. We go beyond legal workâproviding holistic support, raising awareness, and pushing for systemic reform.
The Role
Weâre looking for an experienced criminal defence practitionerâsolicitor, barrister or solicitor-advocateâwho wants to make a real difference. Youâll lead complex appeal cases, collaborate with a passionate team, and contribute to changing the criminal justice system for the better.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead investigations and legal work on appeals against conviction or sentence
- Draft applications to the Court of Appeal and Criminal Cases Review Commission
- Supervise pro bono legal teams, students, and interns
- Take an antiâracist, genderâresponsive and traumaâinformed approach to representation
- Able to support clients from diverse backgrounds through challenging legal proceedings
- Develop casework specialisms to spotlight systemic injustice and promote a fairer legal system
- Represent APPEAL in the media, at events, and participate in reform efforts
- Maintain regulatory standards (SRA, Charity Commission, Legal Aid Agency etc)
- Support the organisation with resource development objectives
- Promote APPEAL's key aims and strategies
Who Weâre Looking For
Essential skills and experience
- Qualified solicitor or barrister in England & Wales with a minimum of two years' experience practising in criminal defence work
- Strong analytical, and investigation skills, with the ability to assess complex legal issues and develop effective strategies
- Excellent legal research and drafting skills
- IT proficient and able to work with case management systems
- Familiarity with the criminal Legal Aid scheme
- Resilient, tenacious, and experienced in working with vulnerable clients
Desirable skills and experience
- Knowledge of criminal appeals law and procedure, including applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the post-conviction disclosure regime
- Experience in delivering professional training or working in a supervisory role
What We Offer
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays/Christmas and New Year)
- Cycle to Work Scheme and 1-month paid sabbatical after 5 years
Please remove your name from CV and cover letter (add name and contact information in covering email marked "Lawyer Application"). Please also send an anonymised example of a piece of written work (e.g. an advice, skeleton argument etc). Include the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form as a separate attachment.
APPEAL are recruiting a Barrister/Solicitor in London employer: London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association (LCCSA)
Contact Detail:
London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association (LCCSA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land APPEAL are recruiting a Barrister/Solicitor in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes itâs not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research APPEAL thoroughlyâknow their mission, recent cases, and how they operate. We want you to show them youâre not just another candidate; youâre genuinely passionate about making a difference in the criminal justice system.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with APPEAL's values. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your delivery.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Letâs make this happen!
We think you need these skills to ace APPEAL are recruiting a Barrister/Solicitor in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Barrister/Solicitor role at APPEAL. Highlight your experience in criminal defence work and any relevant cases you've handled. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to fight miscarriages of justice!
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since you'll need to submit an anonymised example of your written work, pick something that really showcases your legal drafting and research abilities. Whether it's an advice note or a skeleton argument, make it shineâthis is your chance to impress us with your expertise!
Follow the Application Instructions: Don't forget to remove your name from your CV and cover letter! Instead, include your name and contact info in the covering email marked 'Lawyer Application'. Itâs a small detail, but we appreciate attention to detail and following instructions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, youâll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association (LCCSA)
â¨Know Your Case Law
Brush up on key cases related to criminal appeals and miscarriages of justice. Being able to reference specific cases during your interview will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to the role.
â¨Demonstrate Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in client advocacy, especially with vulnerable clients. Share examples that highlight your ability to support diverse backgrounds through challenging legal proceedings.
â¨Show Your Team Spirit
APPEAL values collaboration, so be ready to talk about how youâve worked effectively in a team. Highlight any experiences where youâve led or supervised others, particularly in a legal context.
â¨Be Ready for Ethical Questions
Expect questions around ethics and systemic injustice. Think about how you would approach these issues and be prepared to discuss your views on promoting a fairer legal system.