Criminal Lawyer

Deputy Head of Office - Crime Department
Salary: Up to £50K DOE
Location: Leeds

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Deputy Head of Office for an exciting opportunity to join a well-established and growing legal practice within their Leeds Crime Department. This is a senior leadership position supporting the Head of Office in the day-to-day management, supervision and strategic development of the team.

As Deputy Head of Office, you will play a key role in maintaining high standards of legal service delivery, ensuring compliance with regulatory and Legal Aid requirements, and supporting the ongoing development of junior legal professionals. The role combines leadership responsibilities with hands-on legal work, making it ideal for an experienced criminal solicitor looking to progress into senior management.

Working within a collaborative and supportive environment, you will contribute to operational performance, quality assurance and the continued growth of the Leeds office. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated legal professional seeking to step into a leadership role within a respected and expanding firm.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Office in the management and supervision of the Crime Department.
• Assist with workload allocation and resource planning to ensure efficient case progression.
• Conduct regular file reviews to ensure compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements, regulatory standards and internal policies.
• Provide guidance on complex or sensitive casework and offer hands-on legal support where required.
• Mentor, supervise and support junior colleagues, including trainees, paralegals and newly qualified solicitors.
• Assist in delivering internal training and professional development initiatives.
• Support quality assurance processes, performance monitoring and skills development within the team.
• Assist with compliance processes, including billing procedures, file management and case closures.
• Act as a senior point of contact within the office when required.

 
What are we looking for:

• Minimum of 3 years’ PQE with strong experience in criminal law.
• Previous experience supervising or mentoring junior legal professionals
• Strong advocacy, case management and organisational skills.
• Confident leadership approach with the ability to provide clear direction and support.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good understanding of Legal Aid Agency requirements, regulatory compliance and quality standards.
• Family law experience would be advantageous, but is not essential.

 
Benefits:

• Profit sharing through bonuses, based on billing and meeting targets.
• Incremental, enhanced holiday allowance
• Additional birthday leave
• Benenden healthcare and mental health assistance
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Occupational Health services
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan programme
• Improved and Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Remote Working Opportunities
• Spot Monthly Bonuses (All Staff Eligible)
• Civil Service Discount Scheme
• Free Eye Tests and Discount Glasses
• Enhanced Sick Leave
• Training Qualification Loans
• Annual Appraisals and Salary Review

If you are looking to take the next step in your legal career and play a significant role in shaping a high-performing team, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.