Solicitor - Court of Protection

Department: Health Care and Public Law - Leeds and Manchester

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Leeds

Compensation: £50,000 - £55,000 / month

DACB's Health, Care and Public Law Team provides legal advice and training to a very wide range of organisations operating across the health and social care sector, including NHS Trusts, independent sector providers, commissioners, and public bodies.

The team is highly rated in Legal 500 and Chambers and is recognised for having "a very broad range of specialists, all of whom are first class experts and great to work with".

We currently have an opportunity for a Newly Qualified Solicitor (up to c.2 years PQE) to join the Leeds & Manchester team. The role would be focused on regulatory and advisory support with a particular emphasis on Court of Protection and mental health matters.

The role sits within the regulatory arm of the Health, Care and Public Law team, supporting a busy and growing caseload in an area where additional junior capacity is required. The candidate will work alongside several senior solicitors across the team, gaining support and experience across a varied caseload.

The team plays an important role in DACB's broader Health practice, which is widely recognised as a leading strategic, commercial, and regulatory adviser to the health and social care sector in the UK.

• Handle a varied caseload of Court of Protection and mental health work with appropriate supervision
• Advise NHS clients including commissioners, ICBs, mental health trusts, and acute trusts, as well as some independent and private sector providers on a range of healthcare issues, relating to mental capacity, deprivation of liberty, care arrangements, contact disputes, and medical treatment decisions
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, communicating confidently and professionally with stakeholders including courts, clinicians, and NHS bodies
• Collaborate with senior lawyers including Legal Directors and Partners within the Healthcare Public Law team
• Work across a range of geographically diverse matters, including potential collaboration with colleagues in Newcastle and Bristol
• Support business development activity including client training sessions and sector-focused events
• Build strong internal networks across the wider Health practice
• Handle confidential information in line with firm protocols and ensure compliance with billing and matter management processes

A qualified Solicitor (including Newly Qualified up to c.2 years PQE) with prior experience or a demonstrable interest in Court of Protection and/or Mental Health law.

We do not expect candidates to have experience across the full breadth of the team's work; however, a clear commitment to developing expertise in this specialist area is essential.

• Prior experience in Court of Protection and/or mental health work (essential)
• Strong interest in healthcare law and the wider health and social care sector (essential)
• Experience gained through training contract seats or paralegal work in CoP/MH is highly desirable
• Experience advising NHS bodies or claimant/patient-focused work is advantageous
• Advocacy experience is beneficial but not essential, as training can be provided
• Excellent client handling and relationship management skills, with confidence engaging with NHS stakeholders and clinicians
• Strong communication skills with the ability to deal with sensitive and complex subject matter
• Commercial awareness and a practical, solutions-focused approach rather than a purely academic legal mindset
• Team-oriented with a collaborative approach and willingness to support colleagues across the wider group

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded and growing team within a leading national Health and Public Law practice, offering strong training, exposure to complex and meaningful work, and the chance to develop specialist expertise in a key area of healthcare law.

As a Disability Confident Scheme employer, we're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage (including the application, assessment or interview process), please contact in confidence with the vacancy reference in the subject line, and we'll be happy to help.