At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable clients in the Court of Protection with health and welfare cases.
- Company: National law firm known for its inclusive and supportive culture.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, flexible pension, paid volunteering days, and well-being initiatives.
- Other info: Join a team recognised for its expertise and commitment to social responsibility.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals while growing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Solicitor with a passion for protecting rights and delivering compassionate care.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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. But 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.
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.
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.
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.
As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group’s on-boarding 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.
Public Law Solicitor — Court of Protection employer: Irwin Mitchell
At our Newcastle office, 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. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as flexible working arrangements, extensive holiday options, and opportunities for professional growth within a highly regarded Public Law & Human Rights team. Join us to be part of a workplace that values your contributions and fosters a culture of collaboration and social responsibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Law Solicitor — Court of Protection
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the firm’s values and recent cases. Show us that you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in making a difference with our Public Law & Human Rights team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to working with vulnerable adults. We want to see your passion for client care and your understanding of mental capacity matters.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Law Solicitor — Court of Protection
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Public Law Solicitor. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Court of Protection work, showing us why you're the perfect fit for our team.
Show Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals. Share any experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this area, as it’ll help us see your commitment to compassionate client care.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without getting lost in complex wording.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin Mitchell
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of Public Law and the Court of Protection. Familiarise yourself with recent cases, especially those involving mental capacity and health & welfare disputes. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since this role involves working with vulnerable adults, it’s crucial to demonstrate your empathy and commitment to client care. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life or navigated sensitive situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the types of cases you’ll be handling, and how the firm supports its employees. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the firm’s values align with yours.
✨Be Yourself
The firm prides itself on being inclusive and valuing individuality. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Authenticity can set you apart and help you connect with your interviewers on a personal level.
