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- Tasks: Lead a multidisciplinary legal team to expand access to justice and drive systemic change.
- Company: A dynamic organisation committed to social justice and community empowerment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of legal aid and advocate for marginalised communities.
- Qualifications: 9+ years as a solicitor with leadership experience and a passion for social justice.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to innovative legal solutions and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We welcome applications from people who have significant legal aid experience in public law, housing law, and/or community care law, and who have undertaken strategic litigation. If this is you, and you meet the minimum criteria for the Legal Director role, we encourage you to apply.
Please note: We do not expect the postholder to generate legal aid income at a multiple of their salary. While we do aim to grow legal aid income across the team to an initial target of £25,000–£30,000 per annum, the focus of this role is on developing high-quality legal aid practice and building sustainable income collectively, as part of a mixed-income organisational model.
We particularly welcome applications from people from Black and minoritised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people from working-class backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the issues we work on. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve, and we know that lived experience and diverse perspectives strengthen our legal practice and our work for systemic change.
The Legal Director is a newly created senior leadership role and will lead and shape Release’s legal services, setting the strategic direction and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, client-centred representation. The role will expand access to justice through strong legal aid provision, embed harm reduction principles across all legal work, and uphold rigorous regulatory and ethical standards. It will also play a key role in sustaining Release’s commitment to training and developing the next generation of social justice lawyers.
This pivotal post combines oversight of a multidisciplinary legal team with movement-driven advocacy and strategic litigation. The Legal Director will identify and pursue high-impact cases to challenge unlawful policies and drive systemic change, while building strong external relationships with affected communities, policymakers, and partners. Working collaboratively, the role will co-create innovative models of legal support that respond to emerging needs and amplify the voices of people most affected by drug laws and wider structural injustice.
As Legal Director, you will:
- Set Strategic Direction: Define and implement strategies to expand legal aid provision, improve access to justice, and embed harm reduction principles across all legal work.
- Lead and Inspire: Oversee a multidisciplinary team of solicitors, legal advisers, and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
- Ensure Excellence and Compliance: Maintain rigorous regulatory standards whilst driving forward progressive, client-centred approaches to legal practice.
- Advance Systemic Change through Strategic Litigation: Identify and pursue high-impact cases to influence legislation, challenge unlawful policies, and dismantle barriers to justice for people who use drugs and other marginalised communities.
- Engage Externally: Build powerful coalitions by engaging with affected communities, policymakers, stakeholders, and advocacy networks to drive legal and social reform.
- Co-Create Innovative Service Solutions: Develop new models of legal support that respond to emerging needs, leverage technology, and amplify the voices of those most affected by drug policy and laws by working in partnership with them.
This role is ideal for a visionary and inspiring leader who combines legal expertise with a commitment to social justice, harm reduction, and systemic transformation.
Person Specification
Essential
- Minimum 9 years + post qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate, and
- Minimum 7 years + significant experience in legal aid supervision and regulatory compliance, and
- Minimum 3 years + proven leadership and team management skills, and
- Minimum 3 years + strategic litigation or test cases, and
- Strong commitment to social justice, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice.
Desirable
- Experience working in a charity or non-profit organisation.
- Experience supporting, contributing to, or developing test case work, policy-linked casework, or other legal work aimed at achieving wider systemic or community impact, including through indirect, collaborative, or emerging roles.
- Understanding of the impact of drug policy and criminalisation on marginalised communities.
- Experience in developing new services, partnerships, or funding-linked delivery models.
Legal Director in London employer: Release - L.E.A.D.S
Contact Detail:
Release - L.E.A.D.S Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in public law or legal aid. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there and learn about potential opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your strategic litigation successes and any innovative legal support models you've developed. This will help you stand out when discussing your fit for the Legal Director role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to organisations you admire. Express your interest in their work and how you can contribute to their mission, especially in areas like harm reduction and systemic change.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in the legal landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Justice: When writing your application, let your passion for social justice shine through. We want to see how your experiences and values align with our mission at StudySmarter. Share specific examples that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Legal Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in public law, housing law, or community care law, and don’t forget to mention any strategic litigation you've been involved in. We love seeing how you fit into our vision!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at Release - L.E.A.D.S
✨Know Your Legal Landscape
Make sure you’re well-versed in public law, housing law, and community care law. Brush up on recent cases and legislation that relate to these areas, especially those that have had a significant impact on marginalised communities. This will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to social justice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing multidisciplinary teams. Think about times when you’ve inspired collaboration or driven innovation within your team. This is crucial for a role that requires overseeing a diverse group of legal professionals.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Social Justice
Be ready to discuss your passion for social justice and harm reduction. Share personal experiences or professional projects that demonstrate your dedication to these principles. This will resonate with the organisation’s mission and values.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's goals and current initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their strategic direction and expand legal aid provision. Showing that you understand and align with their vision will set you apart from other candidates.
