Job Opportunities API

Overview The Law Society is seeking applications for a  Head of   its  Career and Practice Development  Unit . Th is  management  role involves   lead ing  a  programme of work with a  small,  dynamic  team,  a s part of a   newly form ed  Solicitor Services Department . The Head of   the   Career and Practice Development   Unit will   provide strategic leadership for the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of services   for   solicitors—from early career through mid   and senior-career   progression . Areas of focus include   business and   practice development,   leadership , technology,   and   innovation . The successful candidate will support the effective and timely implementation of key projects linked to Law Society’s Strategic Ambitions as well as the Solicitor Services strategy.  A minimum of 5 years’  managerial  experience in the field of professional  development,  legal practice and/or legal  talent development  is required.  While professional legal training is not a requirement of the role, a strong understanding of the changing legal profession is required. It is required that the  Head of Service  would attend in - person at the Law Society  a minimum of three days per week .  Duties  will  occasionally requir e attendance  after 5pm and /or  weekends. Contract length:  Permanent Key Responsibilities The  Head of  Career and Practice Development  will  lead  a team, as well as  work closely  with  the Head of  Solicitor Engagement and  Information Services, the Head of Psychological Services  and the Director of Solicitor Services  to: • Assist in the ongoing implementation of the Law Society’s 2024-2028  strategy and   Career & Practice Development Strategy 2026-2028. • Plan and o versee the  timely  delivery  and ongoing  development of a range of  profession-facing services/ projects. • Manage  the Unit’s  team and its  operational budget. • Produce high quality reports , resources,  and communication materials . • Research, assess and develop ways of meeting the evolving  career and practice  needs of  the almost 13,000 strong cohort of  practising solicitors  and allied legal professionals. • Develop and coordinate  strategic  engagement  with inhouse, small/medium practices and larger legal  workplaces -   through meetings/events  (externally,  onsite ,  online ) , and at regional locations . Knowledge & Skills The successful candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge and skills: • Hold a relevant third level qualification and/or significant  senior  work experience in a relevant area ,  such  as :  professional services ,  leadership and  change development,  legal practice/management • Experience of managing dynamic teams, projects and budgets • Experience of partnering with professional services workplaces is a n  advantage • A creative,  innovative,  and proactive approach to working within a dynamic team • Willingness to develop new skills, knowledge and capacities as  the  Law Society  Career and Practice Development Unit  evolves and priorities shift • Strong communication and organisational ability with well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills • Empathetic and professional approach to  leadership  in  law • Ability to influence stakeholders in the Law Society and in the wider legal community to work towards common goals • Knowledge and nuanced understanding of appropriate responses to prevailing sectoral  challenges and opportunities  (incl d.   technology/innovation, talent development, and business/practice development,  is  required • Experience in  developing/overseeing implementation of a  Unit wide operation and  communication  strategy is desirable. • Familiarity with  AI/Project management tools is desirable. Remuneration & Benefit • Salary (DOE • Excellent working condition • Training & development opportunities • Pension How to Apply Please apply by clicking the "Apply for this job" box. We thank you for your interest in the Law Society of Ireland and your interest in this role. Due to the level of response required, only successful candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted by the HR department. For more information on our Data Protection policies please send a request to [email protected] . Closing Date Friday, 14 August 2026