Principal Lawyer - Criminal

Location: Birmingham

Role: Principal Lawyer - Criminal Litigation

Hours: Permanent (36 hours - part time considered)

Salary: £54,495 - £64,811

Application deadline: 27/03/2026

If you are an experienced criminal law specialist ready for your next challenge, I am keen to have a conversation!

We are delighted to be working exclusively with one of the largest in-house legal services team in the UK to recruit a new permanent member of their management team.

As a Principal Lawyer - Criminal Litigation you will have day to day management of a team of 9 individuals. You will guide and develop your team and be responsible for all new recruits. Applicants must be committed to the development, training and mentoring of colleagues. This is a fantastic opportunity for seasoned criminal specialists keen to further develop their management skills. You will also have conduct of 2-3 large, high-profile cases, making this the perfect all-round criminal post!

The current vacancy for a Principal Lawyer - Criminal Litigation will see you responsible for future recruitment into the team, meaning this role offers a genuine opportunity to shape and develop your own team. The colleagues you will work with are friendly and supportive, with a strong team ethic. This role can be worked on a hybrid basis and there is a team office day once a week, so applicants must be based in the Birmingham area.

As the new Principal Lawyer - Criminal Litigation you will be tasked with managing some of the Council's most high-profile criminal cases. Exposure to such cases is a rarity and this post offers an exciting opportunity to carry out work that directly impacts the community. Applicants from a range of legal backgrounds will be considered. Applicants must have considerable experience in people management, criminal law and conduct of advocacy in related hearings. A local government background would be ideal, but candidates from private practice and central government organisations will be considered.

Daily duties will include:

• Managing complex and politically sensitive caseloads, representing the Council, and leading a team of fee earners. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership and legal expertise.
• Working with the Head of Law to develop highly effective working relationships with clients. To deliver a client focussed service with an excellent standard of client care.
• Supervising and managing the work of the team to ensure that the team provides professional guidance and expertise. Ensuring work is allocated appropriately within the team.
• Preparing reports for, and attending Committees, Sub-Committees and Executive Committee as required.
• Deputising for the Head of Law where required.

This post advises on public law and regulatory issues in connection with a range of powers exercised by the local authority. As such, it is key that the post holder is able to not simply follow the letter of the law but understands the need to work within the constraints that come from working in local government. You will be a qualified Solicitor/Barrister/FILEX with a current Practising Certificate. In return for your experience, commitment, and motivation, you will enjoy working in a modern environment, with a competitive salary and benefits package.

The benefits offered are excellent and include:

• Legal assistant support
• Fantastic training and development opportunities
• Excellent Pension Scheme, above average % employer contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Incredible annual leave, increasing with length of service
• Salary sacrifice scheme for extra annual leave, cycle to work, car leases and childcare vouchers
• Discounts on supermarkets, bus and coach travel, utilities companies, eating out, leisure attractions and gym memberships
• Access to long and short term financial planning advice
• Continuous development opportunities
• Family friendly policies including; excellent maternity, paternity and adoption entitlements

For more information on this opportunity, please contact Kate Jasper in our Manchester office or apply today!

Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.