Inquests Lawyer (2- 5 PQE) - Leeds - #2187990

A leading UK law firm with a nationally recognised healthcare practice is seeking an Inquests Solicitor to join its specialist advisory team. The firm acts for organisations across the health, social care, public and charitable sectors, providing expert legal advice informed by extensive sector knowledge and experience.
The team advises on a wide range of sensitive and complex matters, including inquests, investigations, public inquiries, patient safety, governance and regulatory issues. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded and collaborative team undertaking intellectually challenging and meaningful work.
The role will primarily focus on coronial and inquest matters, while also offering exposure to public inquiries, investigations, patient safety work and, where appropriate, regulatory proceedings.
This position would suit a solicitor or barrister who is keen to further develop their advocacy skills while supporting clients through some of the most complex and high-profile healthcare-related incidents and investigations.
The Opportunity Joining a well-established national team, you will work on a varied caseload of healthcare-related matters, with a particular focus on inquests and coronial proceedings. You will have regular advocacy opportunities and work closely with clients across the health and care sector, helping them navigate investigations, learn from incidents and improve patient outcomes.
The firm offers a supportive and forward-thinking environment where career development, knowledge sharing and professional growth are actively encouraged.
Key Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of predominantly inquest-related matters with appropriate supervision.
• Advising health and social care clients on a broad range of coronial and associated legal issues.
• Undertaking detailed legal analysis and preparing written advice, case strategies and legal submissions.
• Representing clients at inquests, including complex multi-agency and Article 2 inquests.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, witnesses, coroners and other stakeholders.
• Supporting client training, business development and relationship management initiatives.
• Contributing to the growth and profile of the wider healthcare and regulatory practice.
• Providing supervision and mentoring support, depending on level of experience.
• Maintaining accurate time recording, billing and financial management practices.
• Managing confidential and sensitive information in accordance with regulatory and firm requirements.

Requirements Essential

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in coronial law or a closely related practice area.
• Strong advocacy and litigation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to explain complex legal and factual issues in a clear, practical and commercial manner.
• Genuine interest in healthcare law and the wider health and social care sector.
• Collaborative approach and ability to work effectively within a national team environment.
• Strong client management and relationship-building skills.

Desirable

• Experience advising healthcare or public sector organisations.
• Experience representing families or interested persons at inquests.
• Exposure to public inquiries, investigations or regulatory matters.
• Knowledge of healthcare governance, patient safety or clinical risk issues.

Candidate Profile The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Confidence in advocacy and a desire to continue developing courtroom and hearing representation skills.
• A genuine interest in supporting healthcare and social care organisations through challenging and high-profile matters.
• Compassion, professionalism and credibility when working with healthcare professionals and key stakeholders.
• A proactive and client-focused approach.
• Commercial awareness and an interest in contributing to business development activities.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Working Environment The firm prides itself on offering a supportive and inclusive culture that differs from a traditional corporate law firm environment. Flexible and hybrid working is available (2 days per week in the office), with limited office attendance required following onboarding and training.
Benefits The successful candidate can expect a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to:

• 25 days annual leave, increasing with length of service.
• Holiday purchase scheme.
• Private medical insurance.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Life assurance and income protection.