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:
* Reports directly to the Department Director and holds primary responsibility for supervising a team of solicitors, trainee solicitors, and paralegals.
* Manages a diverse caseload of Prison Law and Criminal Defence matters, including representing clients at police stations, prisons, parole hearings, and adjudications.
* Oversees and conducts monthly file reviews, probationary staff assessments, and ensures timely implementation of recommended actions.
* Supports departmental growth through involvement in an outsourcing project and leads reviews of internal processes and systems.
* Ensures high standards of client care, particularly in sensitive and complex cases involving vulnerable individuals.
* Drives team performance by monitoring KPIs, billing, and chargeable targets, while offering day-to-day guidance and coaching.
* Contributes to marketing, networking, and business development efforts to expand the department’s reach and client base.
* Maintains full compliance with file management systems and legal aid requirements.
Candidate Profile:
* A minimum of 5 years’ PQE with substantial experience in Prison Law, and some exposure to Criminal Defence.
* Demonstrable experience managing and mentoring legal teams in a target-driven environment.
* Strong knowledge of publicly funded criminal and prison law work, with the ability to handle privately funded cases.
* Police Station Accreditation is advantageous but not essential.
* Holds a clean and valid Practising Certificate.
* Excellent communication, advocacy, and client-handling skills with a professional and empathetic approach.
* Capable of working under pressure, meeting tight deadlines, and adapting to new challenges.
* Commercially aware, with sound judgement and a proactive attitude toward growth and compliance.
* Strong IT proficiency, with experience using legal case management systems and MS Office tools.
* 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr