Prison Law Solicitor
Manchester – £47,500 - £65,000
Team Leader – Prison Law Solicitor
�� Location: Multiple Nationwide | �� Full-Time | Flexible Working Options
�� Salary: Highly Competitive + Benefits + Bonus Scheme
A leading law firm is seeking a highly experienced and proactive Team Leader to join its specialist Prison Law Department. This is a key leadership position designed for a senior solicitor with a minimum of five years’ post-qualification experience in Prison Law, and a proven background in team supervision and legal performance management.
The department provides a unique and essential service to clients, supporting them throughout their custodial journey — from appeals against conviction or sentence to categorisation issues, Proceeds of Crime matters, and day-to-day custody challenges. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in both delivering expert casework and shaping the department’s future through process improvement and mentoring.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Reports directly to the Department Director and holds primary responsibility for supervising a team of solicitors, trainee solicitors, and paralegals.
2. Manages a diverse caseload of Prison Law and Criminal Defence matters, including representing clients at police stations, prisons, parole hearings, and adjudications.
3. Oversees and conducts monthly file reviews, probationary staff assessments, and ensures timely implementation of recommended actions.
4. Supports departmental growth through involvement in an outsourcing project and leads reviews of internal processes and systems.
5. Ensures high standards of client care, particularly in sensitive and complex cases involving vulnerable individuals.
6. Drives team performance by monitoring KPIs, billing, and chargeable targets, while offering day-to-day guidance and coaching.
7. Contributes to marketing, networking, and business development efforts to expand the department’s reach and client base.
8. Maintains full compliance with file management systems and legal aid requirements.
Candidate Profile:
9. A minimum of 5 years’ PQE with substantial experience in Prison Law, and some exposure to Criminal Defence.
10. Demonstrable experience managing and mentoring legal teams in a target-driven environment.
11. Strong knowledge of publicly funded criminal and prison law work, with the ability to handle privately funded cases.
12. Police Station Accreditation is advantageous but not essential.
13. Holds a clean and valid Practising Certificate.
14. Excellent communication, advocacy, and client-handling skills with a professional and empathetic approach.
15. Capable of working under pressure, meeting tight deadlines, and adapting to new challenges.
16. Commercially aware, with sound judgement and a proactive attitude toward growth and compliance.
17. Strong IT proficiency, with experience using legal case management systems and MS Office tools.
18. Willingness to travel to client locations, including prisons and detention centres, as required.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior solicitor to make a real difference — leading a dedicated team, delivering high-quality legal services, and contributing to the strategic development of a respected and expanding department.
Applications are welcome from candidates who are passionate about access to justice, team leadership, and professional excellence.