GRL Legal
Practice Development Director - Leading Barristers' Chambers
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About Cornwall Street Barristers
Cornwall Street Barristers is a leading multi-disciplinary Common Law set with offices in Birmingham, Oxford, and Maidstone. Chambers is recognized nationally for its work across criminal, civil, family, commercial, and military law, and for delivering a high-quality, responsive practice management service to its Barrister members and clients. Chambers is a modern, forward-thinking, dynamic, and collaborative set, providing the highest standards of representation and advice for 50 years.
Practice Development Director Opportunity
Following a planned period of strategic development, an exceptional opportunity has arisen. Chambers is seeking an experienced Practice Development Director to play a central role in its strategic and commercial growth. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Members, and colleagues across Chambers, this newly created position will identify opportunities to expand Chambers’ services, deepen client relationships, and strengthen its reputation and brand position, while driving fee income and supporting the effective management and development of members’ practices.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development
- Develop and implement Chambers’ business development strategy, identifying new markets, sectors, and client opportunities.
- Build and develop relationships with solicitors, prospective clients, referrers, and key clients.
- Lead pitches, tenders, and proposals, while supporting fee strategy and negotiations.
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Marketing
- Develop and implement Chambers’ marketing strategy, brand, and communications.
- Oversee Chambers’ digital presence, marketing materials, PR, and profile-raising activity.
- Deliver events, seminars, and sponsorships, and manage legal directory and award submissions.
Career Development and Progression
- Work with members and practice leaders to develop individual career and practice plans.
- Support career progression, including pathways to Silk and judicial appointment.
- Develop mentoring, coaching, and professional development opportunities across Chambers.
Practice Management
- Support Practice Team Clerks with workload, capacity, and resource management.
- Oversee the effective management and development of members’ practices, monitoring performance against agreed objectives.
- Support new systems, technology, and ways of working, while promoting efficiency and collaboration across practice areas.
Working Relationships
- Work closely with the Chief Executive, Members, and senior leadership team to align commercial development with operational capacity.
- Collaborate with Finance and Administration on business development and practice management initiatives.
- Work with Compliance and Recruitment colleagues to support new initiatives, career development, and Chambers’ wider people strategy.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, commercially minded professional with a strong understanding of practice development, business development, and client relationship management, ideally gained within barristers’ chambers or a closely related professional services environment. They will be confident working with senior stakeholders and members, possess excellent commercial judgment and relationship-building skills, and be comfortable identifying and developing new business opportunities. Highly organized, proactive, and collaborative, they will combine a strategic outlook with the ability to support the day-to-day development and management of individual practices and contribute effectively across Chambers.
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To Apply
To request a copy of the detailed Candidate Brief and/or to apply, please email exclusively retained consultants, GRL Legal at recruitment@grllegal.com. To have a confidential discussion about this position, please contact Matt Curness: mcurness@grllegal.com or Paul Reece: preece@grllegal.com
The Closing Date: 5:00 pm on Friday, 23 October 2026. Early applications are highly encouraged, as initial interviews will take place immediately.
Equality & Diversity Statement
Our client is an equal opportunities employer and is fully committed to diversity among its staff, barrister members, and the services it provides. We therefore encourage and welcome applications from groups who are underrepresented in the legal sector.
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