At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage inquests and public law cases, advocating for clients and expanding the department.
- Company: Join CJCH Solicitors, an award-winning law firm with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, hybrid working, and a day off for your birthday.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and genuine career progression opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public law and human rights while building your own team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with 3+ years in public law or inquests.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
CJCH Solicitors is an award-winning full-service law firm with offices in Cardiff, Barry, Bridgend, Blackwood, Caerphilly and Swansea. The firm is seeking a skilled public law/inquests lawyer specialising in Judicial Review and Human Rights challenges, and/or inquests to join our multi-award-winning legal practice. The firm is the largest Legal Aid provider in Wales and is looking to develop its public law, inquests and community care offering to work closely alongside its existing teams.
CJCH has a number of departments that will enable the right candidate to develop and build a niche area of practice. The firm has a large, dedicated childcare team, an award-winning Court of Protection team, a mental health team as well as private and legal aid crime departments. These departments will support and complement the right candidate to build their own practice area within a forward‑striving firm. The firm encourages development of all staff to reach their career goals with structured routes to leadership within an expanding, successful practice.
There will be opportunity to work with senior leaders of the firm to help expand the scope of the department. The successful candidate will be able to build and expand their own team, whether in Wales or across England, as part of CJCH. Working patterns and location can be flexible, to include nationwide remote working for the right candidate who can support the growth of the team across England and Wales.
Key Responsibilities- You will have a following and a proven track record in inquests/administrative law including handling Judicial Reviews and human rights litigation.
- Case Management: Grow and manage a caseload of inquests/public law matters, including claimant Judicial Reviews and Human Rights Act challenges. Prepare and manage complex funding applications for the Legal Aid Agency alongside managing privately funded litigation.
- Advocacy: Provide strong representation for our clients and have excellent working relationships with expert barristers.
- Departmental Growth: Participate in business development to expand our public law presence and mentor and build a team.
- Legal Aid Knowledge: Strong working familiarity with Legal Aid Agency procedures and compliance standards.
- Client Care: Deep empathy and professionalism when dealing with vulnerable clients or high‑stakes public interest issues.
- Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with a current Practising Certificate.
- Minimum of 3+ years PQE preferred in inquests/public/administrative law (open to a varying level of seniority based on technical expertise).
- Strong advocacy skills and demonstrated experience handling judicial reviews.
- Sound understanding of public law, community care law and human rights legislation.
- Salary – competitive based on experience, above‑market base and performance‑based bonus scheme; Genuine career progression (to be discussed at interview).
- A day off for your birthday.
- Hybrid working arrangements across our South Wales offices and remote working.
Applications to be reviewed on a rolling basis, and successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Locations: Barry Office, Blackwood Office, Bridgend Office, Caerphilly Office, Cardiff Office, Swansea Office, Hybrid.
Lawyer/Head of Department – Public Law/Inquests in Cardiff employer: CJCH Solicitors
CJCH Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where legal professionals can thrive in their careers. With a strong commitment to employee development and a flexible working culture, the firm provides opportunities for meaningful contributions to public law and inquests while supporting personal growth through structured leadership pathways. Located across South Wales, CJCH fosters collaboration within its multi-award-winning teams, ensuring that employees can build their own niche practices in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer/Head of Department – Public Law/Inquests in Cardiff
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We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer/Head of Department – Public Law/Inquests in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at CJCH Solicitors, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in CJCH Solicitors and the specific role of Lawyer/Head of Department – Public Law/Inquests. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for CJCH Solicitors’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at CJCH Solicitors
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at CJCH Solicitors.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at CJCH Solicitors.
