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The Law Society is seeking applications for a Head of its Career and Practice Development Unit. This management role involves leading a programme of work with a small, dynamic team, as part of a newly formed 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 require 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 oversee 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 & skill

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 an 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 (incld. 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 and benefits

- Salary (DOE)

- Excellent working condition

- Training and development opportunities

- Pension 

How to apply

Please apply by clicking the "Apply for this job" box.

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 Data Protection policies please send a request to recruit@lawsociety.ie.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 29 April 2026 at 5pm.

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