Job role: Associate
Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:30 (37.5 hours per week)
At Hill Dickinson, flexibility is an established part of our culture. Our commitment to supporting colleagues to balance their work and home lives has previously been awarded. We are happy to consider flexible working opportunities and welcome conversations about individual requirements throughout the recruitment process.
Team: Healthcare and Public Law
Location: Liverpool
Role overview
Introduction to the role:
This role provides the opportunity to join one of the fastest growing business groups of Hill Dickinson. The Healthcare team has been growing year-on-year with a team of over 100 lawyers and national coverage; we are one of the leading firms providing legal advice and support to the NHS and independent healthcare organisations.
Our dedicated Healthcare team is now looking to recruit an Associate with specific Court of Protection experience who will be undertaking a wide range of advisory work for the NHS and other public and private organisations operating in the Health and Social Care Sector.
Introduction to the team:
An exciting opportunity to join our rapidly growing team of highly experienced specialists working on a wide range of Healthcare matters for the NHS and other public and private organisations operating in the Health and social care sector.
Experts in their field, the healthcare team regularly advises NHS bodies, private providers and insurers on a range of issues including inquests and public inquiries, best interests applications, claims for judicial review, mental health and mental capacity law, patient care issues, and clinical and corporate governance matters.
We also have specialist teams working exclusively for the healthcare sector on commercial, procurement, employment and property matters.
Key responsibilities:
- Court of Protection, treatment and best interest cases including advocacy
- Advising in relation to the application of the Mental Capacity Act and deprivation of liberty
- Inherent jurisdiction of the high court cases and treatment and welfare cases involving children
- Advising on public law issues, judicial review and human rights;
- Advising on matters of general healthcare law including patient complaints, incident investigations, regulator led investigations and a variety of other health sector legislation and guidance including mental health and information governance;
- Advising on NHS funding issues including NHS continuing healthcare and responsible commissioner
- Recognising opportunities to identify new work streams relevant to clients and develop new business.
- Involvement in delivering training, webinars and producing external articles.
What are we looking for:
Important criteria:
- Qualified solicitor or barrister
- Proven experience of Court of Protection
- Previous experience within healthcare law
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to work flexibly and proactively
- Excellent communication/client service skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent organisational skills
- Willingness to travel
It would be beneficial for you to have some of the following:
- Experience in Inquest work
- Familiarity with issues relevant to organisations in the health and social care sector
If you don't meet all of the criteria above but feel that you could add real value to Hill Dickinson, we encourage you to submit an application and if successful, we can help you develop along the way.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Hill Dickinson is committed to providing fairness and equal opportunity for all regardless of age, gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, nationality, religion or belief.
We understand that our power as a firm comes from empowering our people and that it is only by encouraging and enabling individuals to be themselves at work that we can truly benefit from their rich and varied strengths.
Hill Dickinson is an equal opportunities employer. All applications received by the firm will be considered based on their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background and from all routes to qualification, with both the SRA and CILEx.
Disability Support
We are a Disability Confident employer, which means if there is anything that we can do to make your visit easier, so you are able to perform at your best, please let us know. You can contact the HR team at hrteam@hilldickinson.com should you require any adjustments to the application or interview process.
At Hill Dickinson, we welcome applications from individuals that are looking to return to the law as well as all routes to qualification, with both the SRA and CILEx.
All successful candidates will be subject to our standard pre-employment screening, including a basic criminal record check via Disclosure and Barring Service. Any offer of employment made is conditional upon completion of all checks.
Due to the high response levels we receive for some vacancies, we may expire any of them prior to the advertised closing date and advise you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Associate - Healthcare and Public Law in Liverpool employer: Hill Dickinson
Hill Dickinson is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Top Ten Employer for Working Families 2025, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises flexibility and work-life balance. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while enjoying a fulfilling personal life in vibrant locations like Liverpool, Leeds, or Manchester.