At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a new Criminal Law department while managing your own caseload.
- Company: Dynamic law firm in Stockport with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, free parking, and private dental care.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career progression in a developing practice.
- Why this job: Join a senior role with autonomy and the chance to make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years' experience in criminal law and supervisory skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Criminal Legal Aid Supervising Solicitor to join a growing law firm in Stockport, supporting the development of a new Criminal Law department. This is a key senior appointment, offering the opportunity to play a central role in establishing and shaping the department as it develops its legal aid offering and prepares for future duty rota participation.
The successful candidate will have genuine autonomy, combining their own criminal caseload with supervision, compliance and wider responsibility for helping to build the department.
The Role:
- Act as the Legal Aid Supervisor, ensuring compliance with relevant LAA requirements
- Supervise, mentor and support junior fee earners
- Maintain high standards of quality, compliance and client care
- Help establish effective processes and systems for the developing Crime department
- Manage a caseload of criminal matters across both legally aided and privately funded work
- Support preparations for future duty solicitor rota participation
- Advise and represent clients at police stations and Magistrates’ Courts
- Contribute to the development of the department’s longer-term strategy
- Support the growth of the wider criminal practice
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, service delivery and operational efficiency
About You:
- Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years' PQE in criminal law
- Current Legal Aid Agency Supervisor status is essential
- Strong experience in legal aid criminal defence work
- Good understanding of LAA requirements and compliance
- Previous supervisory or team leadership experience
- Confident representing clients at police stations and Magistrates’ Courts
- Higher Rights of Audience would be advantageous but is not essential
- Commercially aware and able to take ownership within a growing team
- Strong organisational, communication and client care skills
- Ambitious and interested in helping to develop a criminal practice
The Benefits:
- Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience
- Hybrid and flexible working, with an indicative 3 days in the office and 2 from home
- Free on-site parking
- Private dental care
- Opportunity to tailor elements of the benefits package
- Senior position with significant autonomy
- Opportunity to help shape and develop a new criminal law department
- Genuine scope for progression as the practice grows
Apply in the strictest confidence online or via telephone.
Crime Head of Department employer: William James Recruitment
At William James Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our Birmingham office provides flexible working options and a competitive salary package, alongside numerous employee benefits that support professional growth and work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for ambitious legal professionals seeking to advance their careers in contentious probate law.
