We're Hiring

Barrister/Solicitor – £52,000 to £60,000 pa.

APPEAL is legal charity that represents the wrongly convicted and campaigns for reform. We are seeking qualified practitioners with criminal litigation experience to work on appeals to the Court of Appeal and applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

Ideally, we are looking for someone with appellate experience. If you have practiced in criminal appeals or have a strong interest in this work, the role offers the chance to develop specialist expertise. We will provide the training and support you need to work confidently on appeal cases.

Alongside our casework, we are looking for individuals who are passionate about reforming the criminal justice system. APPEAL campaigns on issues closely connected to miscarriages of justice, including racism and misogyny, police corruption and compensation. This role offers the chance to develop ideas for meaningful reform with space for creativity and strategic thinking.

This is a full-time, permanent role. We are also open to considering applications on a secondment basis through a chambers or a firm. For a confidential discussion on how you can join our team contact the Co-Directors Emma Torr emma@appeal.org.uk or Matt Foot matt@appeal.org.uk

Please note that the role is based in London and requires a current practising certificate.

Key Responsibilities

Casework & Litigation

• Lead investigations and legal work on appeals against conviction and sentence
• Work with experts, counsel and other specialists to identify grounds of appeal and obtain fresh evidence in support
• Draft appeals against conviction or sentence to the Court of Appeal and applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission
• Supervise the work of pro bono lawyers, students, and interns who support case work functions

Client Support & Advocacy

• Take an anti-racist, gender-responsive and trauma-informed approach to representation
• Participate in and speak at APPEAL events about landmark cases and reform projects
• Support clients who may be from diverse backgrounds or have socio economic disadvantages

Campaigning & Reform

• Develop casework specialisms to spotlight systemic injustice and promote a fairer legal system
• Work with academics and experts to research and develop campaigns in areas in need of reform
• Work with journalists and the media to promote campaigns
• Work with Parliamentarians and other stakeholders to effect change

Compliance & Operations

• Maintain regulatory standards (SRA, Charity Commission, Legal Aid Agency etc)
• Support the organisation with resource development objectives
• Promote APPEAL’s key aims and strategies

Who We’re Looking For

Essential skills and experience:

- Qualified solicitor or barrister in England & Wales with criminal litigation experience

­- Strong analytical, and investigation skills, with the ability to assess complex legal issues and develop effective strategies

- Excellent legal research and drafting skills

- IT proficient and able to work with modern case management systems

- Resilient, tenacious, and experienced in working in pressurised environments

Desirable (but not essential) skills and experience:

- Criminal defence litigation experience

- Knowledge of criminal appeals law and procedure, including applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the rules around post-conviction disclosure

- Experience of public speaking

- Experience in delivering professional training or working in a supervisory role

- Familiarity with the criminal Legal Aid scheme

What We Offer

- Salary £52,000 to £60,000 per annum

- 37.5 hours per week with flexible working

- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays/Christmas and New Year)

- Pension Scheme

- Cycle to Work Scheme

- Clinical supervision

How to Apply

Please email emma@appeal.org.ouk or matt@appeal.org.uk for a confidential discussion about the role. If you wish to apply for the role:

Email your CV and cover letter to operations@appeal.org.uk telling us about your experience, how you met the job specification and why you would like to join APPEAL.

Please note applicants must be qualified to work as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales and hold a valid practising certificate.  Applicants must be able to work in our central London based office.

Deadline: 5pm 30 October 2026

Include the Equal Opportunities and Monitoring Form as a separate attachment