Regulatory Advisory/Inquest Solicitor or Associate (1+ PQE) in Belfast

Reference: 4841618Job ID: 5422732Posted: 2026-10-30Closing date: 2027-01-29Location: Newcastle or LeedsSalary: Competitive (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full time / Flexible workingIndustry: Legal / Private PracticeCompany: HaysConsultant: Alexander PayneHays office: Manchester — 5th Floor, City Tower, Piccadilly PlazaPhone: 0161 228 7770Email: alexander.payne@hays.comYour new companyA leading national law firm is looking to recruit a Regulatory Advisory / Inquests Solicitor or Associate into its expanding Healthcare Regulatory team in Leeds or Newcastle.The team acts for an impressive range of clients across the health and social care sector, including NHS bodies, private healthcare providers, care homes, regulators and local authorities. It handles a broad mix of inquests, healthcare advisory work, Court of Protection matters and wider regulatory proceedings.The firm is open to candidates who predominantly specialise in inquests, those with a stronger healthcare advisory/regulatory background, or solicitors looking to maintain a mixed caseload across both areas.Your new roleYou will join an established national Healthcare Regulatory team and manage your own caseload, with the nature of the work tailored to your existing experience and interests.Depending on your background, your work may include:Managing inquest matters from instruction through to conclusion.Representing healthcare organisations at pre-inquest review hearings and final inquest hearings.Advising healthcare providers and commissioners on regulatory and healthcare law matters.Court of Protection applications and matters concerning capacity and best interests.Advising on consent, confidentiality, discharge processes and other complex healthcare issues.Regulatory investigations and proceedings, including matters involving the Care Quality Commission.Meeting clients and witnesses and preparing evidence ahead of hearings.Developing your advocacy experience across inquests, Court of Protection and wider regulatory matters.There may also be opportunities to support clients nationally, work across different areas of the wider healthcare practice and undertake client secondments.What you'll need to succeedYou should be a qualified solicitor with approximately 1–10 years' PQE and have previous experience in, or a demonstrable interest in, healthcare regulatory and advisory work, inquests or a closely related area.You will ideally have:Experience handling inquests and/or healthcare advisory or regulatory matters.An interest in developing your advocacy skills.Previous advocacy experience, although this is not essential.Regulatory defence experience would be advantageous.Strong organisational and case management skills.Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work closely with clients and witnesses.The ability to manage deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively within a national team.Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates with inquests, healthcare regulatory, Court of Protection, mental health or healthcare advisory experience who are looking to broaden their practice.What you'll get in returnThis is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded national healthcare practice offering exposure to complex and varied regulatory work.You will have the opportunity to develop your own specialist caseload while gaining experience across other areas of healthcare regulation and advisory work. The breadth of the team means the role can be shaped around your existing strengths, whether these lie in inquests, advisory work or a combination of both.The position is available in Leeds or Newcastle, with some travel required for client meetings and hearings.What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Alternatively, email Alexander.Payne@hays.com or call us now on 0161 228 7770. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. #4841618 - Alexander Payne