At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable clients in health and welfare cases, making a real difference in their lives.
- Company: A national law firm with a friendly, inclusive culture focused on community impact.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, flexible pension schemes, paid volunteering days, and well-being initiatives.
- Other info: Ranked among the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing, offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dedicated team and work on meaningful cases that protect the rights of vulnerable individuals.
- Qualifications: Solicitor with a passion for public law and human rights; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
We’re a national law firm with a local reach. Our legal experts are here for you. Whether it’s personal or business, we understand that everyone’s situation is different. We’re more than just a law firm – we’re a team of people working together to help individuals and businesses navigate life’s ups and downs. Working here you’ll feel a part of our friendly and inclusive environment. We’ll value you for who you are and what you bring. We support each other and push boundaries to achieve incredible things and make a real difference to our clients and communities.
About the Team
Our Public Law & Human Rights team specialises in mental capacity, deprivation of liberty, and health & welfare disputes in the Court of Protection, acting for vulnerable adults and their families. The department is consistently recognised in national directories for its expertise in health and welfare work before the Court of Protection. The Newcastle team is led by Helen Smith, a Partner specialising in complex welfare cases involving adults who lack capacity, including challenges about residence, care, contact, capacity assessments and safeguarding issues. She is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor, family members and advocates.
The Role
We are seeking a Solicitor to support the Newcastle team with a dedicated CoP Health & Welfare caseload, which may include:
- Section 21A challenges to deprivation of liberty
- Best interests applications (residence, care, contact, medical issues)
- Capacity disputes
- Safeguarding and risk-related matters
- Supporting vulnerable clients with complex needs
You will work closely with a highly experienced Partner and gain exposure to high-quality, meaningful cases.
About You
Experience in the following is desirable but not essential:
- Solicitor – NQ – 4 years PQE
- Court of Protection (Health & Welfare)
- Mental capacity matters
- Work with vulnerable adults
We welcome applicants who are committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals and delivering compassionate, high‑quality client care.
Our Benefits - What We Can Offer You
- 25 days holidays as standard plus bank holidays - You can ‘buy’ up to 35hrs of extra holiday too.
- Generous and flexible pension schemes.
- Volunteering days – Two days of volunteering every year for a cause of your choice (fully paid)
- Westfield Health membership, offering refunds on medical services alongside our Aviva Digital GP services.
- We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.
- This includes our Flexible by Choice programme which gives our colleagues more choice over a hybrid way of working subject to role, team and client requirements.
We have been ranked in the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing for Large Organisations for 2024! Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim. Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.
Additional Information
As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group’s onboarding process all successful applicants are required to complete the group’s employment screening process. This process helps to ensure that all new employees meet our standards in relation to honesty and integrity therefore protecting the interests of the Group, colleagues, clients, partners and other stakeholders. We carry out pre-employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record and financial checks with our trusted 3rd parties. The employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws. Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.
Solicitor - Public Law & Human Rights (6080) in Newcastle Emlyn employer: Irwin Mitchell
At Irwin Mitchell, we pride ourselves on being more than just a law firm; we are a supportive and inclusive team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Our Newcastle office offers a collaborative work culture, exceptional employee benefits including generous holiday allowances and well-being initiatives, and ample opportunities for professional growth within our renowned Public Law & Human Rights team. Join us to be part of a workplace that values your contributions and champions social responsibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Public Law & Human Rights (6080) in Newcastle Emlyn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in public law and human rights. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and mentors – it’s all about making those valuable connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its values. Understand their approach to public law and human rights, and think about how your experiences align with their mission. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working with vulnerable individuals. Share stories from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to compassionate client care. This will resonate well with the team and demonstrate that you’re a great fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our friendly and inclusive team. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Public Law & Human Rights (6080) in Newcastle Emlyn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our Public Law & Human Rights team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for supporting vulnerable individuals.
Showcase Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct experience in Court of Protection matters, share any related work or volunteer experiences. We’re interested in your commitment to protecting rights and delivering compassionate care, so let us know how you've demonstrated this in the past.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your motivations for applying and what drives you to work in public law and human rights. This helps us understand who you are beyond your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our friendly and inclusive team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin Mitchell
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on public law and human rights, especially around mental capacity and the Court of Protection. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that relate to vulnerable adults. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since this role involves working with vulnerable clients, be prepared to discuss how you would approach sensitive situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and understanding, as this is crucial in this line of work.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team and the types of cases they handle. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the firm’s values align with yours. Think about asking how they support their staff in dealing with challenging cases.
✨Be Yourself
The firm values inclusivity and individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share what makes you unique and how you can contribute to their friendly environment. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
