Prison Law Solicitor

Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm seeks a Team Leader for its Prison Law Department in the UK. With a focus on team supervision and case management, the role offers the opportunity to lead and develop a dedicated team while providing essential legal services to clients in need. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, empathy, and a commitment to access to justice.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years PQE in Prison Law.
• Experience mentoring legal teams.
• Strong knowledge of publicly funded criminal law.

Responsibilities

• Supervises a team of solicitors and paralegals.
• Manages a diverse caseload of Prison Law matters.
• Ensures high standards of client care.

Skills

Communication

Advocacy

Client-handling

IT proficiency

Proactive attitude

Education

Practising Certificate

Job description

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.