Head of Crime

Job Advert: Head of Crime – Duty Solicitor, St Albans
Location: St Albans

Salary: Competitive, from £60,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Our client are a well-established multi-service, multi-office law firm committed to access to justice. Recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, we pride ourselves on excellence across criminal defence, family law, housing, civil liberties, and human rights.

They are expanding their St Albans office by building and leading a new Crime Team. We seek a dynamic Head of Crime – Duty Solicitor to recruit, manage, and develop a team of 3-4 duty and newly qualified solicitors, playing a pivotal role in growing this key department.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Supervision: Guide, mentor, and supervise a team of Duty Solicitors, ensuring the highest standards of legal service.
• Case Management: Manage your own diverse caseload of criminal defence matters.
• Advocacy: Represent clients in Magistrates’ Court, including summary trials; Crown Court advocacy if qualified with Higher Rights.
• Police Station Representation: Attend police stations to protect client rights.
• Operational Oversight: Collaborate with senior management to enhance team performance, efficiency, and compliance.
• Team Development: Lead recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development.
• Client Relations: Deliver excellent client care with professionalism and diligence.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor with minimum 3 years PQE in criminal defence.
• Proven leadership and team management skills within criminal defence.
• Confident advocate with strong communication abilities.
• Comfortable working in a modern, paperless, IT-enabled environment.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Committed to publicly funded legal work and access to justice.
• Able to manage a busy caseload under tight deadlines.

This firm offer a competitive salary, a supportive and forward-thinking workplace, and significant investment in technology for efficient, flexible working.

Employee Benefits include:

• Competitive base salary starting at £60,000 per year
• Employer pension contributions
• Optional Benenden Health Care
• Firm laptop, phone, and dual-screen office setup
• Ongoing training and career development
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Supervision and mentorship from senior colleagues
• Annual appraisals and salary reviews
• Generous annual leave (25 days + bank holidays and festive closure), increasing with service
• Bi-annual firm-wide social events
• Dedicated inbound telephony, dictation, and administrative support