Senior / Principal Associate – Regulatory

Location: Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester or Winchester

Hybrid Working

The Division

Capsticks’ Regulatory Division is recognised as one of the largest and most highly regarded practices in the country, consistently ranked in the top tier of Legal 500 and Chambers UK for Professional Discipline. Our unique blend of expertise in both health and regulation sets us apart, and with more than two decades of experience, we have managed many thousands of regulatory cases from initial investigation through to preparation and final presentation. We act for health and social care regulators, alongside regulators in the veterinary/equine, legal services, education and survey sectors. Our team is proud to have been trusted to handle some of the most complex, sensitive, and high‑profile matters in the regulatory landscape. Joining Capsticks’ Regulatory Division means being part of a team that is respected across the sector and known for its integrity, intellectual challenge and meaningful impact. It is a place where you can develop your career, work on cases that truly matter, and grow within a supportive, specialist environment that values your ambition, your development, your wellbeing and your potential.

The Role

This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of regulatory law. You will handle matters where a professional’s fitness to practise is called into question due to conviction, misconduct, competency concerns, or health related issues. The work is varied, challenging and rewarding and the cases cover everything from large-scale fraud or multi‑patient clinical failings through to inappropriate sexualised behaviour. This role offers intellectual challenge, public interest purpose, and the chance to make a tangible impact on professional standards and patient safety.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Taking a lead role in day‑to‑day client management on matters.
• Supervising and developing junior colleagues, trainees, or associates on live matters.
• Delegating work appropriately, providing clear instructions and constructive feedback.
• Acting as a first point of escalation for queries before matters reach senior management or partners.
• Building credibility and rapport with clients through consistent delivery and communication.
• Anticipating client needs by identifying issues early and presenting well‑reasoned options and recommendations.
• Representing the team confidently in discussions with clients, counsel, and other stakeholders.
• Contributing to knowledge sharing, best practice guidance, and team consistency.
• Contributing to business development, profile‑raising, or client‑facing initiatives.
• Supporting process improvement, efficiency, and quality assurance within the team.
• Developing a clear case plan from the outset and advising on procedural and evidential issues.
• Supervising and reviewing witness statements prepared by paralegals.
• Instructing expert witnesses, reviewing expert reports, and obtaining clarification where needed.
• Preparing and supervising instructions to counsel (including internal advocates and external counsel) and attending conferences.
• Preparing high quality final reports at case conclusion.

This list reflects the core responsibilities, but as part of a dynamic and growing team, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to wider business development, internal training, and shaping the future of the practice.

Skills & Experience

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has considerable experience of managing complex regulatory, disciplinary, litigation, or advisory matters with a high degree of autonomy.
• Has substantial exposure to fitness to practise or professional standards work, including the management of sensitive or high risk cases.
• Has experience of supervising, supporting and developing junior colleagues, including delegating work effectively and providing constructive feedback.
• Can communicate confidently and persuasively with clients, counsel, experts, and witnesses, including in sensitive or high profile contexts.
• Has a proven ability to act as a first point of escalation for legal or strategic issues within a team.

Capsticks is an inclusive employer. At Capsticks we value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where everyone is able to be themselves and reach their full potential. Capsticks is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and therefore we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, background, culture, ethnicity, race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, neurodiversity, religion and beliefs. We will make reasonable adjustments to our application and interview process to ensure that you have the best chance of success. We understand that there's not a 'one size fits all' approach to adjustments so our team will work with you individually to understand more about your requirements.