At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable clients in health and welfare disputes within the Court of Protection.
- Company: A national law firm committed to inclusivity and community impact.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, flexible pension, paid volunteering days, and well-being initiatives.
- Other info: Join a supportive team recognised for its excellence in public law.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals while growing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Solicitor with a passion for human rights and experience in mental capacity matters.
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.
Your Role and What You'll Be Doing
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 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.
Solicitor - Public Law & Human Rights (6239) 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 including flexible working options, extensive holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth within a highly regarded Public Law & Human Rights team. Join us to be part of a workplace that values compassion, collaboration, and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Public Law & Human Rights (6239)
✨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. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s values and recent cases. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience with mental capacity matters and how you can contribute to our inclusive environment.
✨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 us you’re keen on joining our team and making an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Public Law & Human Rights (6239)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns 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 relevant skills and experiences!
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you’re passionate about working with vulnerable individuals and in public law. A genuine interest in making a difference will really stand out in your application and show us that you’re the right fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your personality shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our firm there!
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, it’s crucial to demonstrate your empathy and understanding during the interview. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life, highlighting your ability to handle sensitive situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team and the work they do. This could include asking about specific challenges they face in health and welfare disputes or how they support their clients. It shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged with the role.
✨Be Yourself
Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their friendly and inclusive environment. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Be honest about your experiences and what you can bring to the team, as authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
