Criminal Law Supervisor

William James Recruitment; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Flexible working

Pension scheme

Private dental insurance

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Annual salary reviews

Clear progression structure

Job summary

William James Recruitment is partnering with a growing law firm in Greater Manchester to recruit an experienced Criminal Legal Aid Supervisor. The role combines supervision, hands-on casework, and department development to build a leading crime practice ahead of a Legal Aid contract.

You will mentor junior fee earners, implement scalable processes, and work closely with senior leadership to shape the department's growth and the firm’s public funding strategy.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE in criminal law
• LAA Supervisor status essential
• Strong background in legal aid crime work and compliance
• Proven experience supervising or mentoring junior fee earners
• Higher Rights of Audience desirable (not essential)
• Commercially aware with ability to contribute to department growth
• Leadership-driven mindset with ability to operate at a senior level
• Enthusiasm to contribute to duty rota responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and hands-on supervision of the crime department
• Lead supervision of casework and mentor junior fee earners
• Develop processes and contribute to department growth and expansion into publicly funded criminal work

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Supervision

Education

Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE in criminal law

LAA Supervisor status

Higher Rights of Audience (desirable)

Job description

• Excellent Benefits + Free on-site Parking + Flexible working available
• Opportunity to supervise, lead, and head the Crime department
• Salary up to £70,000 (DOE)

Criminal Law Supervisor – Greater Manchester – Salary up to £70,000 (DOE) – Excellent Benefits REF:958296123AL

A growing and excelling law firm is seeking an experienced Criminal Legal Aid Supervisor to play a key role in developing and leading its criminal law offering in Greater Manchester.

This is a rare opportunity to join a firm at an exciting stage of planned growth, supporting the establishment of its crime department ahead of securing a Legal Aid contract and launching duty rota participation.

You will take on a strategic and hands‑on position, combining supervision, casework, and department development, with genuine scope to shape the future direction of the practice.

Working closely with senior leadership and Partners, you will be instrumental in building processes, mentoring junior team members, and preparing the firm for expansion into publicly funded criminal work.

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE in criminal law
• LAA Supervisor status (essential)
• Strong background in legal aid crime work and compliance
• Proven experience supervising or mentoring junior fee earners
• Higher Rights of Audience (desirable, not essential)
• Commercially aware with ability to contribute to department growth
• A proactive and leadership-driven mindset, with the ability to operate at a senior level
• Enthusiasm to contribute to duty rota responsibilities

Benefits and How to Apply

• Competitive salary of £48,000 – £70,000 (DOE)
• Free on-site parking spot
• Opportunity to play a key role in building and leading a department
• 20 days annual leave + all bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Maternity and paternity package
• Private dental insurance
• Clear progression structure
• Flexible working available
• Annual salary reviews
• Support from leading and expert lawyers