Joint Head of Legal Services (Legal Aid) or Legal Director

Release – Senior Legal Leadership OpportunityJoint Head of Legal Services (Legal Aid) or Legal DirectorLocation: Spitalfields, London (hybrid: min. 3 days in office)Salary: £46,000–£51,000 (Joint Head) / £52,000–£58,000 (Legal Director) + 5% pensionHolidays: 29 days + public holidaysContract: Permanent, Full-timeClosing Date: Monday 2nd March 2026, 5pmInterviews: Mid-March 2026Are you a seasoned legal aid professional committed to advancing access to justice and systemic change? Release, the UK’s leading independent drugs charity and centre of expertise on drugs, the law and human rights, is recruiting for one senior leadership role. Depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate, we will appoint either a Joint Head of Legal Services – Legal Aid or a Legal Director. Both posts sit within a values-led organisation with a historic mission to advance social justice, harm reduction and equity for people affected by drug laws and marginalisation.About ReleaseFounded in 1967 as the world’s first 24-hour legal helpline for people arrested for drug-related offences, Release has grown into an independent UK charity delivering high-quality legal support, representation and advice across housing, community care, immigration, social security and drug-related legal issues. Our multidisciplinary legal and advocacy teams contribute to evidence-based policy reform and help dismantle barriers to justice for marginalised communities.Role OverviewJoint Head of Legal Services – Legal AidThis role shares leadership of Release’s legal services with a co-head, with particular emphasis on strengthening and expanding legal aid practice and services. You will support excellent legal practice, nurture staff development, build partnerships and contribute to strategic direction. You will play a key part in securing sustainable funding and shaping approaches to widen access to justice for vulnerable clients.Legal DirectorA newly created senior leadership post, the Legal Director leads and shapes all legal services at Release. You will set strategic direction and drive excellence in client-centred representation, expand legal aid provision, embed harm reduction principles across practice, and play a pivotal role in strategic litigation. This role combines legal leadership, high-impact advocacy, and coalition-building with external stakeholders, policymakers and affected communities.Person Specification (Key Requirements)Joint Head of Legal ServicesQualified solicitor (England & Wales) with a current practising certificate (min. 6 years PQE)Substantial legal aid experience (min. 4 years), especially in public law, housing and/or community care lawExperience supervising or managing teams (min. 2 years)Commitment to social justice, harm reduction and trauma-informed practiceLegal DirectorQualified solicitor (England & Wales) with a current practising certificate (min. 9 years PQE)Significant experience in legal aid supervision and regulatory compliance (min. 7 years)Demonstrable leadership and team management experience (min. 3 years)Experience in strategic litigation and impact casework (min. 3 years)Strong commitment to social justice, harm reduction and systemic changeWhy Join Release?Lead an influential legal team at the intersection of law, policy and social justiceWork within an organisation with consultative status at the United Nations and a strong voice on drug policy reformShape access to justice for some of the UK’s most marginalised individuals and communitiesBe part of a supportive environment that values equity, inclusion and professional growthApplication ProcessTo apply, send your CV and a statement (up to 3 pages) outlining why you are suitable for the role and how you meet the person specification. Email your application to leadership@release.org.uk with the reference JHOL0226 in the subject line. Only candidates with the right to live and work in the UK will be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr