Chief Legal Officer

JMC Legal Recruitment; Dorking; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal firm in Dorking is seeking a Chief Legal Officer to lead its personal injury practice during an exciting phase of growth. The candidate will shape legal strategies, manage risks, and significant team development. Applicants should possess a strong background in personal injury law and leadership experience, with an interest in legal technology. This role offers the opportunity to impact the firm’s evolution and contribute to its ambitious growth plans.

Qualifications

• Must be an experienced solicitor or barrister.
• Confident autonomously handling complex legal matters.
• Enjoy working in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise on legal, regulatory and governance matters.
• Lead legal strategy and compliance management.
• Oversee trial performance and manage counsel.
• Support and develop fee-earners.
• Manage a team of 30-50 people.
• Provide oversight on key legal tasks.

Skills

Strong background in personal injury

Knowledge of CPR and pre-action protocols

Leadership and team management

Understanding of legal strategy and risk management

Interest in technology and AI in legal workflows

Job description

Chief Legal Officer | Dorking

A rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within a long-established, family-run personal injury practice entering an exciting new phase of growth. This is a firm with deep roots in the community, a national client base, and a clear vision for modernising, scaling and strengthening its operations under the leadership of a dynamic second-generation owner.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll work closely with the owner to shape the legal, operational and governance framework of the business. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role where your expertise will directly influence the firm's evolution into a leading specialist PI practice.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising the owner on legal, regulatory and governance matters
• Leading legal strategy, risk management and compliance in collaboration with the COLP
• Overseeing trial performance, attending court and managing counsel where appropriate
• Supporting and developing fee‑earners to help them reach performance and progression goals
• Managing an expanding team of around 30‑50 people as the practice scales
• Providing oversight on key legal tasks and decision‑making across the firm's caseload
• Managing risks relating to prospects of success, limitation and disbursements
• Reviewing denied‑liability matters pre‑issue to determine whether they proceed to litigation
• Guiding paralegals on core tasks including CNFs, letters of claim, medical evidence and records

About You

You'll be an experienced solicitor or barrister with a strong background in personal injury or a closely related field. You'll understand the CPR and pre‑action protocols inside out and will be confident working autonomously on complex matters.

You'll be someone who enjoys the challenge of shaping a legal operation, bringing structure, accountability and high standards while also supporting a motivated, characterful team. A strong interest in technology, case management systems and the use of AI in legal workflows would be advantageous.

Most importantly, you'll thrive in a close‑knit, collaborative environment and enjoy working directly with an engaged, energetic owner who is investing heavily in the long‑term growth of the firm.

The Firm

This is a small but well‑established specialist practice with a long‑standing reputation for claimant‑focused personal injury work. It has a loyal team, a family ethos, and a genuine commitment to supporting clients through what are often difficult and life‑changing situations.

The environment is relaxed but hardworking, with ambitious plans for investment, modernisation and expansion. The incoming Chief Legal Officer will play a central role in building the senior management team and shaping the next chapter of the firm's journey.

What's on Offer

You'll be joining at a pivotal moment, with the chance to influence strategic direction, develop people, strengthen processes and help the owner realise an ambitious growth plan. Terms reflect the seniority and onsite nature of the position, with flexibility for candidates bringing additional technical or development expertise.

Apply now or contact Harrison for a confidential discussion.