Prison Law Solicitor

Douglas Scott; Bristol; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm seeks a proactive Team Leader for its Prison Law Department, covering diverse responsibilities from managing a legal team to ensuring high standards of client care. The role requires substantial experience in Prison Law and strong leadership skills, aiming to drive growth and efficient legal performance. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the department's future and making a meaningful impact on clients' lives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years PQE in Prison Law.
• Experience in managing legal teams in a target-driven environment.
• Strong advocacy and client-handling skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of solicitors and paralegals.
• Manage a diverse caseload in Prison Law and Criminal Defence.
• Drive team performance and contribute to business development.

Skills

Client handling

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Legal expertise in Prison Law

Education

Solicitor qualification with clean Practising Certificate

Tools

Legal case management systems

MS Office

Job description

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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:

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.