Senior Associate - Care in Bournemouth

Lester Aldridge has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Associate to join our nationally recognised Health & Social Care team. This is a unique opportunity to work on complex and rewarding cases across the care and community care sector, with the chance to develop your expertise alongside market‑leading professionals. It offers intellectually stimulating work, a supportive environment, and excellent career development prospects.

About Us

Lester Aldridge's Health & Social Care team is a recognised market leader in the care sector, acting for a broad spectrum of clients including national care groups, independent providers, and individuals. The team is known for its in‑depth knowledge of the sector, strategic advice, and a practical, client‑focused approach. It offers a collaborative and inclusive culture, flexible working arrangements from Bournemouth or London offices, and a strong social impact that makes a difference in the lives of care providers, vulnerable individuals, and families.

Responsibilities

• Case Management: Handle a broad and varied caseload across the health and social care sector, including regulatory and community care matters.
• Client Advisory: Advise care providers and individuals on issues such as CQC regulation and enforcement, safeguarding, Coroner's Inquests, and funding disputes.
• Community Care & SEN: Represent individuals in EHCP and SENDIST appeals, care disputes, and issues under the Care Act.
• Legal Representation: Defend clients in enforcement proceedings, appear at Inquests and hearings, and liaise with regulatory bodies and public authorities.
• Business Development: Contribute to growing the team’s profile through client relationships, networking, and marketing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in the health and social care sector, particularly with CQC regulation, inquests, or community care law.
• Strong written and verbal communication, case management, and advocacy preparation skills.
• Comfortable advising both individuals and commercial clients.
• Commercial, solutions‑driven service delivery with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Team player with confidence to handle responsibility and ambition to grow within a specialist team.
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to learning and development in a fast‑paced, evolving area of law.

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflective of experience and contribution to the team.
• Hybrid and flexible working options from Bournemouth or London offices.
• Clear career progression with high‑quality training and mentoring.
• Wide range of interesting and impactful work with high responsibility from the outset.
• Close‑knit team culture with regular collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, birthday and an extra day at Christmas off, private medical insurance, pension, life assurance, and access to Perkbox.