Paralegal jobs

1 post available

Location: Rochdale - linked to Manchester Hub

This can be a hybrid role based on service demands

Salary: Solicitor - Grade 5 - £38,724 or Grade 6 - £44,323 depending on experience or Paralegal Grade 3 - £32,585 per annum

Hours: Full time - 35 per week

Contract: Permanent 

Closing date: Sunday 31st May 2026 at 11.30 pm

Join Shelter as a Housing Solicitor or Paralegal, in our mission to drive systemic change and fight for Justice.

If you are a dedicated legal professional with a strong commitment to addressing the housing crisis, we welcome you to apply for this role.

At a time when the housing emergency continues to deepen, your experience could help transform lives and challenge the systems that perpetuate injustice. Come and play a central role in our mission to defend the right to a safe, and secure home.

Working with Shelter means being part of a passionate team that believes a safe home is a fundamental right. Here, your legal skills don’t just change lives - they shape a fairer housing system.

About the roles

Based with our partnering organisations, you will ensure you deliver high quality legal services through casework, the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Scheme and ensuring Legal Aid contract requirements and performance targets are met.

Solicitor

You will challenge unfair housing practices and systemic causes of homelessness through strategic casework and litigation. Working closely with our Greater Manchester team and the Managing Solicitor to strengthen housing rights awareness across the region, you will support Legal Advisers, ensuring high professional standards and compliance.

Paralegal

You will help our solicitors to maintain an active caseload, enabling our clients to enforce their housing rights. Your role will be varied and will include taking instructions and witness statements, drafting letters, making applications, providing court representation and making sure time recording and income targets are met. Please note this role is being advertised as a Paralegal but on appointment the job title will be Legal Adviser.

About You

For the Solicitor role, we are open to newly qualified candidates with a demonstrable interest in social justice, as well as those who have 3+ years PQE and a strong track record in housing law and Legal Aid work. You will have experience or a demonstrable interest in legal practice in the private or not for profit sector with experience of working on a wide range of housing cases, knowledge of legal aid, housing, homelessness and welfare law. You have the ability to research, write reports, time record and meet financial targets, as well as meeting or be willing to develop to meet the Housing Supervisor Requirements (September 2023).

For the Paralegal role you will need a good understanding of litigation work, be able to carry out legal research and provide a good standard of professional service and client care. You will have excellent communication skills, both in writing/drafting and face-to-face along with proficiency using case management systems and time recording, as well as the ability to manage your time and workload. If you have housing law experience and knowledge of Legal Aid/ CCMS this would be an advantage. You enjoy collaborating as part of a team, respond quickly and positively to change and are not afraid to challenge the status quo and introduce new ideas when appropriate.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About The Team

Our legal Teams (Managing Solicitors, Solicitors, Legal Advisors and Trainees) are based throughout our England hubs. We are currently based in London, Plymouth, Bristol, Norwich, Birmingham, Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Sheffield and Newcastle.

We are enthusiastic, driven and champions for fighting housing injustice. Whilst generating an income, we also address the housing crisis.

You will be part of an existing multi-disciplinary team that offers housing and homelessness advice and support across Greater Manchester. It consists of a solicitor led legal team providing advice and representation, and an advice service providing advice, support and guided self-help to people with housing, debt or welfare benefit issues. There is also a committed and skilled team of volunteers that offer peer support, mentoring and more general volunteering, adding significant value to our core service offer.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV with a supporting statement with responses to the 'About You' points 1-7 outlined in the job description of no more than 1000 words. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Recruitment Agencies

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Liberty is looking for a creative and strategic lawyer to join its legal team as a legal team manager.  Strategic litigation is core to Liberty’s work.  Our lawyers work closely with the rest of the organisation using casework and legal advice to help Liberty reach its strategic goals. You will be responsible for running a small caseload of strategic litigation, conducting interventions and providing specialist human rights advice.  A large part of the role is identifying and then scoping potential cases, working closely with other organisations to develop the litigation in a collaborative and creative way. 

In addition to your legal work, you will line manage another lawyer in the team, one of our paralegals and our legal information officer, who leads Liberty’s legal education work.  The management of the team as a whole will be shared between the Head of Legal, the current legal team manager and you. If you are interested in a job that involves innovative legal work in the NGO sector, we would like to hear from you.

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society. Liberty supports hybrid working, with a minimum office attendance two days per week in the Westminster office.

The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 22 June 2026

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.

First round interviews will be held online on Thursday 2 July 2026

Second round interview will be held in Liberty’s Office on Thursday 9 July 2026

We are seeking a qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive, to fill the post of Employment Law Manager. We also welcome applications from paralegals with 5 years experience who wish to qualify as a solicitor (England and Wales).

You will be required to provide complex professional legal advice on employment law matters to our management team, national executive committee and members. Managing a team of junior colleagues and supporting their complex casework, you will advise on collective employment law matters and review first stage complaints.

Salary and Location

• Band 4, London Spine points 27-23 or Regional 30-26
• London starting salary: £53,726 p.a. rising to £61,115 p.a. in annual increments or Regional starting salary £49,663 p.a. rising to £56,081 p.a. in annual increments
• PCS London or Region

Successful candidates for the Employment Law Manager will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in an employment law field, or qualified solicitor from any UK jurisdiction.
• Experience in staff management, appraisals, and complaints handling.
• Good communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to prioritise and manage workloads.
• Commitment to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage legal issues.
• Their commitment to the SRA Professional standards and behaviours.

The main duties of the Employment Law Manager role include:

• Delivering legal guidance and representation on employment law issues.
• Providing supportive management for caseworker colleagues.
• Conducting legal research, drafting advice, claims, and other legal documents.
• Providing support to senior colleagues on more complex matters.
• Advising the union on legal aspects of bargaining or campaigning matters.

You will be committed to professional development, through training, appraisal and the use of technology, you will be able to show how you maintain and share your up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation. An understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions is essential.

Closing date: at 12 midday on Monday 22 June 2026

Interviews will be held in person at PCS Clapham on 8 July 2026 and 9 July 2026

About PCS

PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.

Employer Benefits

You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including

• flexible working (including hybrid working)
• childcare and family support
• generous maternity/paternity leave
• 32 days leave and Christmas closure
• pension scheme
• employee assistance programme

Learning and Development

The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process

We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

• CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
• PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
• All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Please view our guidance for applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION: EMPLOYMENT LAW MANAGER

Ref: 1026

Grade: Band 4, London or Region

Salary:

London Spine points 27- 23

London starting salary £53,726 p.a. rising to £61,115 p.a.

Regional Spine points 30 - 26

Regional starting salary £49,663 p.a. rising to £56,081 p.a.

Location: London/Region

Purpose of the job:

To deliver a professional legal advice, guidance, and representation on employment law matters to staff and members.

To undertake a management role with direct responsibility for Employment Law Caseworker (B3) ( Paralegals)

Responsible to:

Band 5, National Officer Employment Law

Responsible for:

Band 3 Employment Law Caseworker (Senior Paralegals /Junior Lawyers)

Contacts

External:

PCS Members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media.

Internal:

PCS Staff and managers across Regions, Senior Management Team, National Management Team and other PCS Departments.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Key areas

• Undertake training to complete the SQE or specialism in employment law
• Assist in legal research into past cases and documents
• Draft and prepare claims or other legal documents
• Assist in providing legal advice to SMT, NEC, members
• Keep up to date with new developments in employment legislation
• Assist in providing employment law briefings to PCS staff about changes in employment legislation
• Advise members and Reps on wrongful termination and unfair dismissal claims, including reviewing dismissal procedures and advocating for members' rights
• Assist members and reps in cases of workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on factors such as age, gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics
• Assist with the development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process
• Assist with leadership in delivering the unions Legal and Employment Rights strategy
• Provide assistance with the unions bargaining, organising, campaigning, equality, learning and digital agendas
• Manage people and resources in the Legal and Employment Rights Unit
• Provide advice to relevant committees including assisting in the preparation and presentation of reports
• Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested
• Assist with input into budgetary processes including bid preparation, monitoring and control where relevant

2. People Management

• Manage work allocation and workflow, future planning and support for officer team/line manager
• Motivate and manage individuals and the team as a whole to provide a high standard of service
• Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks
• Seek to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team
• Through induction, the appraisal system and one-to-ones, identify staff training and development needs, train or organise formal/informal training
• Proactively promote diversity in line with the wider PCS approach
• Apply the staff conduct policies as and when required e.g. discipline, grievance, capability, dignity at work and IT security policies
• Provide advice and deal with complex issues related to staff management including disciplinary or grievance in consultation with Line Manager
• Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies
• Work effectively with lay officials
• Deputise for Line Manager when required

3. Communication

• Ensure digitalisation, information & communication methods are effectively implemented and used to generate improvements
• Draft complex communications including briefs and reports
• Communicate with members by assisting in the production of circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc
• As necessary, represent PCS and liaise with outside bodies

4. Casework Management

• Advise in the handling of personal casework
• Liaise with solicitors, internal and external bodies on the handling of personal casework
• Represent PCS or PCS members at official bodies such as employment tribunals, Civil Service Appeal Board, etc.
• Maintain and improve own knowledge of the developments in employment law and practice

5. Team Working

• Proactively promote team working
• Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
• Provide assistance to team members

6. Equality

• Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination

7. General

• Participate and input information into PCS planning and budgeting processes
• At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy and adhere to the PCS Values
• Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work
• Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
• Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
• In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
• Staff at this grade may be assigned or transferred to posts within grade. A training & development programme will be provided to assist with this, where required such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post
• Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference, where required)

Person Specification: EMPLOYMENT LAW MANAGER

Ref:1026

Date: May 2026

Location: London/Region

ESSENTIAL FACTORS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Newly qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive/Qualifying law degree OR 5 years experience in an employment law related role

EXPERIENCE

• Employment law and legal management, including advocacy and representation
• People management including induction, work allocation, appraisal and conduct
• Leading committees and teams
• Industrial relations and negotiations
• Project management, problem solving and decision making

TRAINING

(including continuous professional development)

• Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
• Commitment to undertake job-related training
• Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process
• Commitment to staff development

KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions
• Employment rights, equality legislation, discrimination law and working practices
• Impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union

SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences
• Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage complex legal issues
• Ability to identify and set standards and priorities
• Ability to provide timely advice and guidance

OTHER

• Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work
• Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
• Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions

Join Our Team: Principal Property Litigation Lawyer

We’re excited to welcome a new Principal Property Litigation Lawyer to join our Legal team.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Working Hours & Location

This role follows 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. The vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required. 

Role Overview

The Principal Property Litigation Lawyer leads the provision of legal advice and management of property-related disputes arising from the Trust’s operational and investment property portfolio.

Key Accountabilities:

• Main conduct of property law disputes across the Trust’s operational estate (e.g. title, trespass, boundary disputes, rights and easements, restrictive covenants, rights of support and claims for nuisance) with adjoining landowners, tenants and other stakeholders.
• Contributing to the management of legal risk on property law disputes arising in the context of the Trust’s engineering, estates, utilities and business boating activity.
• Assisting Senior Lawyers in providing strategic advice to Senior Managers and the Executive regarding litigation risk to the Trust’s  estate and assets in the context of the wider estate and asset management strategy and programme.
• Taking forward high value disputes (both as claimant and defendant) in relation to Trust asset and infrastructure responsibility, with other public and third sector infrastructure owners, in the context of retaining wall and embankments, bridges, harbour, flood defence, water resources, highways and reservoir responsibility.
• Supervision of Property Litigation Lawyer and Paralegal, close working with Trust Claims Manager and coordination of external legal support, including Counsel.
• Working with the Senior Litigation Lawyer on property litigation matters involving boating and mooring disputes.

About you

You are a qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with property litigation experience, able to lead complex, high-value disputes independently. Strong track record in managing legal risk, advising senior stakeholders, and collaborating with internal teams and external advisers, with a pragmatic approach and commitment to health and safety.

Skills & Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with a minimum of 10 years‘ property litigation law experience gained in private practice or in-house.
• Proven ability to take a lead on conducting a heavy caseload of major property litigation with minimal oversight.
• Experience of leading strategic discussions on legal risk at a senior level.
• Experience of supervision and coordination of legal and expert teams, including Counsel.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels and disciplines within the Trust and with external legal advisers and to participate effectively in meetings.
• Comply with Canal & River Trust Health & Safety policy and defined standards, report incidents, accidents and near misses. Assess the risks and make adjustments to work methods where appropriate. Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc.) is appropriate for the task. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. 

What We Offer

We offer an annual salary of £55,000. 

We are seeking an experienced paralegal, or trainee solicitor to fill the post Employment Law Caseworker. As an experienced employment law practitioner or aspirational trainee solicitor (England and Wales), you will be required to provide professional legal advice on employment law matters to members.

PCS will provide fully funded accredited training with 1 day a week release. With supervision by a qualified solicitor to enable you to pass your SQE examinations within 2 years, whilst gaining the required qualifying work experience through your day-to-day role.

Salary and Location

• Band 3, London Spine points 33-29 or Regional Spine points 36-32
• London starting salary: £45,377 p.a. rising to £50,703 p.a. in annual increments or Regional starting salary: £42,105 p.a. rising to £46,348 p.a. in annual increments
• PCS London or Region

Successful candidates for the Employment Law Caseworker will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in employment law or relevant qualification in Law (from any common law jurisdiction).
• Good communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to prioritise and manage workloads.
• Commitment to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage legal issues.
• Their commitment to the SRA Professional standards and behaviours.

The main duties of the Employment Law Caseworker role include:

• Delivering legal guidance and representation on employment law issues.
• Conducting legal research, drafting advice, claims, and other legal documents.
• Providing support to senior colleagues on more complex matters.
• Casework management.

You will be committed to professional development, through training, appraisal and the use of technology, you will be able to show how you maintain and share your up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation. An understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions is essential.

Closing date: at 12 midday on Tuesday 23 June 2026

Interviews will be held in person at PCS Clapham on 10 July 2026

About PCS

PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.

Employer Benefits

You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including

• flexible working (including hybrid working)
• childcare and family support
• generous maternity/paternity leave
• 32 days leave and Christmas closure
• pension scheme
• employee assistance programme

Learning and Development

The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process

We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

• CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
• PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
• All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Please view our guidance for applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION: EMPLOYMENT LAW CASEWORKER

Ref: 1126

Grade: Band 3, London or Region

Salary:

London Spine points 33 - 29

London starting salary £45,377 p.a. rising to £50,703 p.a.

Regional Spine points 36 - 32

Regional starting salary £42,105 p.a. rising to £46,348 p.a.

Location: London/Region

Purpose of the job:

To support the delivery of a professional legal advice, guidance, and representation on employment law matters to the, staff, and members.

Responsible to: Band 4, Employment Law Manager (Senior Paralegal)

Responsible for: Not applicable

Contacts

External:

PCS Members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media.

Internal:

PCS Staff and managers across Regions, Senior Management Team, National Management Team and other PCS Departments.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Key areas

• Undertake training working towards the completion of the SQE
• Provide support in legal research into past cases and documents
• Draft and prepare claims or other legal documents
• Provide support with legal advice to SMT, NEC, members
• Keep up to date with new developments in employment legislation
• Provide support with employment law briefings to PCS staff about changes in employment legislation
• Advise members and Reps on wrongful termination and unfair dismissal claims, including reviewing dismissal procedures and advocating for members' rights
• Assist members and reps in cases of workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on factors such as age, gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics
• Support the development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process
• Support the delivery of the unions Legal and Employment Rights strategy
• Provide support in the unions bargaining, organising, campaigning, equality, learning and digital agendas
• Provide advice to relevant committees including supporting the preparation and presentation of reports
• Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested

2. Communication

• Provide support to ensure digitalisation, information & communication methods are effectively implemented and used to generate improvements
• Draft complex communications including briefs and reports
• Communicate with members by supporting the production of circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc
• As necessary, represent PCS and liaise with outside bodies

3. Casework Management

• Advise in the handling of personal casework
• Liaise with solicitors, internal and external bodies on the handling of personal casework
• Represent PCS or PCS members at official bodies such as employment tribunals, Civil Service Appeal Board, etc.
• Maintain and improve own knowledge of the developments in employment law and practice

4. Team Working

• Proactively promote team working
• Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
• Provide assistance to team members

5. Equality

• Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination

6. General

• Participate and input information into PCS planning and budgeting processes
• At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy and adhere to the PCS Values
• Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work
• Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
• Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
• In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
• Staff at this grade may be assigned or transferred to posts within grade. A training & development programme will be provided to assist with this, where required such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post
• Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference, where required)

Person Specification: EMPLOYMENT LAW CASEWORKER

Ref:1126

Date: May 2026

Location: London/Region

ESSENTIAL FACTORS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualifying Law degree. Or 2 plus years experience in an employment law role

EXPERIENCE

• Actively participating in committees and teams
• Industrial relations and negotiations
• Project management, problem solving and decision making

TRAINING

(including continuous professional development)

• Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
• Commitment to undertake job-related training working towards the completion of the SQE
• Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process

KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions
• Employment rights, equality legislation, discrimination law and working practices
• Impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union

SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences
• Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage complex legal issues
• Ability to identify and set standards and priorities
• Ability to provide timely advice and guidance

OTHER

• Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work
• Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
• Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions

As Commercial and Legal Support Officer you will provide practical, hands-on legal and contract support across the organisation and contribute to meeting objective as we implement a new, temporary structure as part of a planned sabbatical. This is an opportunity to help colleagues manage legal risk well, improve how we work with third parties, and ensure the charity can deliver timely, proportionate support across a varied and busy portfolio of activity.

You’ll provide practical legal and commercial support across the organisation, focusing on contract review, negotiation and day-to-day advice. This includes supporting a range of agreements (e.g. suppliers, partnerships and data), helping colleagues understand risks in plain English, and maintaining contract records and key dates.  You’ll be organised, pragmatic and comfortable managing multiple priorities. You can explain legal issues clearly to non-legal colleagues and work collaboratively to find solutions that balance risk and delivery.

This is a new position within CWJ, and will involve working with our CEO, Harriet Wistrich, on potential miscarriages of justice relating to women who have offended in response to male violence. Cases will range from convictions arising from coerced offending, counter allegations, victims of trafficking and grooming gangs, to advising on appeals by those convicted of murder or manslaughter at the CACD and CCRC.

We would consider the role at 30 hours per week.

Role Purpose

To lead and supervise legal work challenging the criminalisation of women who have been prosecuted for offences that have arisen as a result of male violence, coercion or abuse. The role will provide expert oversight of complex criminal appeals and review cases, ensuring that women’s experiences are properly recognised within the legal process and that cases are progressed to the highest professional standard using a feminist, trauma‑informed approach.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise criminal appeals and reviews for women prosecuted in the context of male violence, coercion, or abuse.

• Manage a caseload of strategic criminal appeals, ensuring trauma-informed and feminist legal practice.

• Maintain Legal Aid Agency supervisor status and compliance.

• Supervise and support junior legal staff.

• Collaborate with partner organisations and contribute to CWJ’s litigation strategy.

• Engage in training, media, and sector-wide advocacy.

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) with at least three years’ post-qualification experience.

• Meets Legal Aid Agency criteria for criminal appeals supervisor.

• Strong experience in criminal law, especially appeals and legal aid casework.

• Commitment to CWJ’s feminist values and anti-oppression approach.

• Excellent communication and self-management skills.

• Understanding of issues affecting disadvantaged and marginalised groups, especially violence against women and girls.

*Women-only: We deal directly with victims of sexual violence, therefore it is a genuine requirement that this is role is carried out by women only - Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies