Crime Head of Department

Crime Head of Department / Duty Solicitor - Greater Manchester - Up to £75,000 + Benefits

If your skills, experience, and qualifications match those in this job overview, do not delay your application.

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.

Contact: Abigail Lockett, Retained Recruitment Consultant

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More About William James Recruitment

William James Recruitment is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy, partnering with leading law firms across the UK and internationally. xwzovoh We work with a range of highly regarded clients, including Legal 500-ranked firms, advising on senior and strategic appointments.