Our client, Deka Chambers, is a leading common law barristers’ chambers recognised for its excellence across civil, family and criminal law. With a modern, client-focused approach and an outstanding reputation for advocacy and advisory work, Chambers continues to develop its specialist practices and strengthen its position within the legal market.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, commercially focused and highly motivated Practice Director (Crime) to lead and develop its established Crime and Police team. This senior appointment offers the opportunity to drive business development, strengthen client relationships and support the continued growth and success of members’ practices.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Clerking, the Practice Director will take responsibility for the effective management and strategic development of the Crime team, combining senior clerking expertise with strong commercial awareness and proactive leadership. The successful candidate will play a central role in developing individual practices, maximising fee income and delivering exceptional service to members and clients.
Key responsibilities include:
- Business Development: Lead the identification of opportunities and the securing of instructions and revenue to grow Chambers’ criminal and police law practice.
- Client Relationships: Develop strong relationships with instructing solicitors, professional clients and key stakeholders.
- Strategic Development: In conjunction with others, create and deliver strategic plans to continue to improve the work undertaken by members of the team
- Practice Management: Oversee barristers’ practices, including fee negotiation, diaries, work allocation, and case administration. Agree and implement individual practice plans, supporting members’ career progression and growth.
- Leadership: Lead, motivate and develop their team, encouraging a proactive and commercially focused approach.
- Operational Management: Improve systems, procedures and service delivery while maintaining high professional standards.
The Candidate
We are seeking applications from experienced senior clerking professionals with significant experience gained in another barristers’ chambers, ideally specialising in criminal, regulatory, or police law.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong commercial awareness, a proven track record in business and practice development, excellent fee negotiation and client relationship management skills. They will possess a thorough understanding of criminal procedure and court systems, alongside outstanding communication, organisational and leadership skills. Confident, proactive, and personable, they will manage competing priorities, lead and develop colleagues, and deliver consistently high standards of client service.
How to Apply
Please forward your CV, which should clearly identify your suitability, to exclusively retained consultants, GRL Legal.
To discuss this role in more detail, please contact GRL consultants.
The closing date for applications is 5 pm on Friday 27th November 2026, but early applications are encouraged, with initial GRL interviews for suitable candidates taking place immediately.
Equality & Diversity
Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.
