Head of Motoring Law | Manchester | Hybrid Working

An opportunity to take the lead, build your profile and grow a specialist motoring law practice.

I’m working with an established criminal defence firm that’s looking to appoint an ambitious motoring law solicitor to take ownership of its specialist motoring practice and play a key role in its next stage of growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants more than just another caseload. Whether you’re already operating at Partner level or you’re a Senior Associate or Associate ready to take that next step, this role offers the chance to combine high-quality legal work with leadership, business development and the opportunity to build something of your own.

Based in Manchester, the role offers flexible hybrid working, a competitive package and genuine scope to shape the future of the department.

The opportunity

You’ll handle a varied and interesting motoring caseload, covering everything from police station investigations and contested Magistrates’ Court proceedings through to serious and complex Crown Court matters.

The work will include drink and drug driving, exceptional hardship applications, dangerous driving allegations, fatal road traffic cases and serious injury matters. You’ll also advise clients at the earliest stages of an investigation, including voluntary police interviews and pre-charge matters.

However, the real attraction is the opportunity to help build and develop the practice, rather than simply manage files.

You’ll have the autonomy to influence the direction of the department, contribute to its wider strategy and help establish it as a go-to name for privately funded motoring law work.

You’ll also have dedicated support from experienced marketing, business development and PR professionals to help raise your profile through legal content, media opportunities, video, social media and wider industry engagement.

What will you be doing?

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing motoring law cases from the investigation stage through to the conclusion of proceedings.

• Advising clients during voluntary police interviews and pre-charge investigations.

• Handling Single Justice Procedure Notices and preparing written representations and pleas.

• Managing contested Magistrates’ Court cases, including drink driving, drug driving and exceptional hardship applications.

• Preparing and managing complex Crown Court matters involving dangerous driving, serious injuries and fatalities.

• Handling appeals from the Magistrates’ Court to the Crown Court.

• Preparing cases for trial, taking detailed instructions and developing effective case strategies.

• Attending Crown Court hearings alongside counsel where appropriate.

• Undertaking advocacy in suitable matters.

• Developing client relationships and contributing to the growth and reputation of the practice.

• Creating opportunities to raise your professional profile and generate new work.

• Supporting, training and developing colleagues as the team grows.

The balance of advocacy and casework will depend on the nature of the matter, the client’s needs and the agreed funding arrangements.

Who would suit this opportunity?

I’m keen to speak with solicitors who have a strong background in motoring and road traffic law and who are looking for the opportunity to take on a more influential role.

You might already be a Partner looking for a fresh challenge, a Senior Associate ready for greater responsibility, or an experienced Associate with the ambition to move into leadership.

You’ll ideally have:

• Strong technical knowledge of motoring and road traffic law.

• Experience across both Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court proceedings.

• A background in serious or complex motoring cases.

• Confidence advising clients during police investigations and voluntary interviews.

• The ability to manage your own caseload and deliver excellent client care.

• Strong communication skills and sound commercial judgement.

• An interest in business development, networking and building a recognised personal profile.

• The confidence to contribute ideas, develop relationships and help grow a specialist practice.

• The ability to support and develop more junior members of the team.

An existing following or referral network would be beneficial, but it isn’t essential - The firm is interested in what you could bring to the role and what you could build with the right support behind you.

What’s on offer?

Alongside the opportunity to play a key role in developing the practice, the package includes:

• A generous bonus scheme.

• Flexible hybrid working.

• Access to an on-site gym.

• A confidential Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family.

• Regular wellbeing initiatives.

• Ongoing training and professional development.

• Dedicated marketing and PR support to help develop your profile.

• Clear scope for career progression, including the potential to progress towards partnership.

Ready for something more?

Speak directly to Leanne Byrne, our Specialist Crime & Regulatory Senior Consultant at Clayton Legal.

☎️ 020 3965 9786
✉️ l.byrne@clayton-legal.co.uk