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- Tasks: Lead a team managing high-profile criminal cases and develop future talent.
- Company: Join one of the largest in-house legal services teams in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, excellent training, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/FILEX with experience in criminal law and people management.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong team support and growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 54495 - 64811 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham
Role: Principal Lawyer - Criminal Litigation
Hours: Permanent (36 hours - part time considered)
Salary: £54,495 - £64,811
Application deadline: 27/03/2026
If you are an experienced criminal law specialist ready for your next challenge, I am keen to have a conversation! We are delighted to be working exclusively with one of the largest in-house legal services teams in the UK to recruit a new permanent member of their management team. As a Principal Lawyer - Criminal Litigation, you will have day-to-day management of a team of 9 individuals. You will guide and develop your team and be responsible for all new recruits. Applicants must be committed to the development, training and mentoring of colleagues. This is a fantastic opportunity for seasoned criminal specialists keen to further develop their management skills.
You will also have conduct of 2-3 large, high-profile cases, making this the perfect all-round criminal post! The current vacancy for a Principal Lawyer - Criminal Litigation will see you responsible for future recruitment into the team, meaning this role offers a genuine opportunity to shape and develop your own team. The colleagues you will work with are friendly and supportive, with a strong team ethic. This role can be worked on a hybrid basis and there is a team office day once a week, so applicants must be based in the Birmingham area.
As the new Principal Lawyer - Criminal Litigation, you will be tasked with managing some of the Council's most high-profile criminal cases. Exposure to such cases is a rarity and this post offers an exciting opportunity to carry out work that directly impacts the community. Applicants from a range of legal backgrounds will be considered. Applicants must have considerable experience in people management, criminal law and conduct of advocacy in related hearings. A local government background would be ideal, but candidates from private practice and central government organisations will be considered.
Daily duties will include:
- Managing complex and politically sensitive caseloads, representing the Council, and leading a team of fee earners.
- Working with the Head of Law to develop highly effective working relationships with clients.
- Delivering a client-focused service with an excellent standard of client care.
- Supervising and managing the work of the team to ensure that the team provides professional guidance and expertise.
- Ensuring work is allocated appropriately within the team.
- Preparing reports for, and attending Committees, Sub-Committees and Executive Committee as required.
- Deputising for the Head of Law where required.
This post advises on public law and regulatory issues in connection with a range of powers exercised by the local authority. As such, it is key that the post holder is able to not simply follow the letter of the law but understands the need to work within the constraints that come from working in local government. You will be a qualified Solicitor/Barrister/FILEX with a current Practising Certificate.
In return for your experience, commitment, and motivation, you will enjoy working in a modern environment, with a competitive salary and benefits package. The benefits offered are excellent and include:
- Legal assistant support
- Fantastic training and development opportunities
- Excellent Pension Scheme, above average % employer contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Incredible annual leave, increasing with length of service
- Salary sacrifice scheme for extra annual leave, cycle to work, car leases and childcare vouchers
- Discounts on supermarkets, bus and coach travel, utilities companies, eating out, leisure attractions and gym memberships
- Access to long and short term financial planning advice
- Continuous development opportunities
- Family friendly policies including; excellent maternity, paternity and adoption entitlements
For more information on this opportunity, please contact Kate Jasper in our Manchester office or apply today!
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Principal Lawyer - Criminal in Birmingham employer: Sellick Partnership
Contact Detail:
Sellick Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Criminal in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know about opportunities in criminal law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership skills and recent high-profile cases. We want to see how you can manage a team and handle complex situations, so be ready to share your experiences!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring abilities! Since this role involves developing a team, think of examples where you've guided others. We love to see candidates who are passionate about helping their colleagues grow.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Principal Lawyer position.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Criminal in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Lawyer - Criminal role. Highlight your management experience and any high-profile cases you've worked on to grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about criminal law and how your leadership style aligns with our team ethos. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Team Management Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully led and developed others in your previous roles. We love to see candidates who are committed to mentoring and training!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨Know Your Criminal Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in criminal law, especially those relevant to local government. Be prepared to discuss high-profile cases and how they relate to your experience. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be managing a team, so highlight your people management experience. Prepare examples of how you've mentored or developed colleagues in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to team growth and effective leadership.
✨Understand the Local Government Context
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and constraints of working within local government. Be ready to discuss how you would navigate these issues while ensuring compliance and delivering excellent client service.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the team dynamics, the types of cases you'll handle, and the development opportunities available. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.