Solicitor/Barrister - Criminal Appeals Supervisor ...

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