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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic legal team focused on social justice and access to justice.
- Company: Join Release, a pioneering charity dedicated to drug law reform and human rights.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of marginalised communities through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with significant legal aid experience and a passion for social justice.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and inclusive organisational culture.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 58000 £ per year.
Location: Spitalfields, London (hybrid: min. 3 days in office)
Salary: £46,000–£51,000 (Joint Head) / £52,000–£58,000 (Legal Director) + 5% pension
Holidays: 29 days + public holidays
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: Monday 2nd March 2026, 5pm
Interviews: Mid-March 2026
Are you a seasoned legal aid professional committed to advancing access to justice and systemic change? Release, the UK’s leading independent drugs charity and centre of expertise on drugs, the law and human rights, is recruiting for one senior leadership role. Depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate, we will appoint either a Joint Head of Legal Services – Legal Aid or a Legal Director. Both posts sit within a values-led organisation with a historic mission to advance social justice, harm reduction and equity for people affected by drug laws and marginalisation.
About Release
Founded in 1967 as the world’s first 24-hour legal helpline for people arrested for drug-related offences, Release has grown into an independent UK charity delivering high-quality legal support, representation and advice across housing, community care, immigration, social security and drug-related legal issues. Our multidisciplinary legal and advocacy teams contribute to evidence-based policy reform and help dismantle barriers to justice for marginalised communities.
Role Overview
- Joint Head of Legal Services – Legal Aid: This role shares leadership of Release’s legal services with a co-head, with particular emphasis on strengthening and expanding legal aid practice and services. You will support excellent legal practice, nurture staff development, build partnerships and contribute to strategic direction. You will play a key part in securing sustainable funding and shaping approaches to widen access to justice for vulnerable clients.
- Legal Director: A newly created senior leadership post, the Legal Director leads and shapes all legal services at Release. You will set strategic direction and drive excellence in client-centred representation, expand legal aid provision, embed harm reduction principles across practice, and play a pivotal role in strategic litigation. This role combines legal leadership, high-impact advocacy, and coalition-building with external stakeholders, policymakers and affected communities.
Person Specification (Key Requirements)
- Joint Head of Legal Services: Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with a current practising certificate (min. 6 years PQE). Substantial legal aid experience (min. 4 years), especially in public law, housing and/or community care law. Experience supervising or managing teams (min. 2 years). Commitment to social justice, harm reduction and trauma-informed practice.
- Legal Director: Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with a current practising certificate (min. 9 years PQE). Significant experience in legal aid supervision and regulatory compliance (min. 7 years). Demonstrable leadership and team management experience (min. 3 years). Experience in strategic litigation and impact casework (min. 3 years). Strong commitment to social justice, harm reduction and systemic change.
Why Join Release?
- Lead an influential legal team at the intersection of law, policy and social justice.
- Work within an organisation with consultative status at the United Nations and a strong voice on drug policy reform.
- Shape access to justice for some of the UK’s most marginalised individuals and communities.
- Be part of a supportive environment that values equity, inclusion and professional growth.
Application Process
To apply, send your CV and a statement (up to 3 pages) outlining why you are suitable for the role and how you meet the person specification. Email your application to leadership@release.org.uk with the reference JHOL0226 in the subject line. Only candidates with the right to live and work in the UK will be considered.
Joint Head of Legal Services (Legal Aid) or Legal Director employer: Release
Contact Detail:
Release Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Joint Head of Legal Services (Legal Aid) or Legal Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who are involved in legal aid. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Release and its mission. Understand their values around social justice and harm reduction, so you can show how your experience aligns with their goals during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for legal services and how you can contribute to expanding access to justice. Confidence is key, so rehearse with a friend or in front of the mirror.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Release.
We think you need these skills to ace Joint Head of Legal Services (Legal Aid) or Legal Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role you're applying for. Highlight your relevant experience in legal aid and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Release!
Craft a Compelling Statement: Your statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about social justice and how your skills can help us advance access to justice. Keep it clear, concise, and focused on the person specification.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Whether you're applying for the Joint Head of Legal Services or the Legal Director role, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage teams effectively, so share specific examples!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us. Remember to include the reference JHOL0226 in your email subject line when you send your CV and statement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Release
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your legal knowledge, especially around legal aid, public law, and community care. Be ready to discuss your experience in these areas and how it aligns with the mission of Release.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leadership, prepare examples that showcase your team management and supervisory experience. Think about times you've nurtured staff development or led a successful project.
✨Align with Their Values
Release is all about social justice and harm reduction. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these principles.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their legal services, strategic direction, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
