Solicitor - Court of Protection in Sunderland

Make a meaningful difference to people when they need it most. We're delighted to be working with a well-established and highly regarded law firm in Newcastle upon Tyne to recruit an experienced Court of Protection Solicitor specialising in Health & Welfare. This is a fantastic opportunity for a solicitor who is passionate about protecting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and who wants their work to have a genuine and lasting impact.

You'll join a supportive specialist team, advising on complex and sensitive matters where individuals may lack the mental capacity to make important decisions about their health, care and welfare.

The Role

As a Court of Protection Solicitor - Health & Welfare, you'll advise and represent clients across a varied caseload of health and welfare matters, often involving complex and sensitive circumstances. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing a caseload of Court of Protection health and welfare matters from initial instruction through to conclusion.
• Advising and representing individuals who may lack the capacity to make decisions about their health, care, accommodation or personal welfare.
• Advising family members, deputies, professionals and other relevant parties where appropriate.
• Handling applications and proceedings before the Court of Protection.
• Advising on best-interests decision-making and disputes concerning an individual's care and welfare.
• Dealing with matters concerning residence, care arrangements, contact and other significant welfare decisions.
• Working with clients and their families sensitively, ensuring their views, wishes and feelings are properly understood and represented.
• Liaising with social workers, healthcare professionals, local authorities, advocates and other relevant agencies.
• Preparing high-quality legal documentation, statements, submissions and correspondence.
• Providing clear and accessible advice on complex legal issues.
• Managing files effectively and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, court procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and contributing to the continued development of the specialist Court of Protection team.

About You

We're looking for a qualified Solicitor with experience in Court of Protection Health & Welfare work, or a strong background in a closely related area with the skills and commitment to develop within this specialist practice. You'll ideally bring:

• Experience of Court of Protection health and welfare matters.
• A strong understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the principles underpinning best-interests decision-making.
• Experience dealing with sensitive and complex matters involving vulnerable individuals.
• Excellent advocacy, drafting and analytical skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively with clients who may have complex needs or difficulties communicating.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an empathetic, patient and respectful approach.
• The ability to manage a demanding caseload while maintaining high standards of client care.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• The confidence to work independently alongside a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• A genuine commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of vulnerable people.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a specialist role where your legal expertise can have a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals. You'll benefit from:

• Meaningful work focused on protecting people's rights, wishes and wellbeing.
• Specialist expertise with the opportunity to develop your career within Court of Protection Health & Welfare work.
• A varied and intellectually stimulating caseload, involving complex and often highly sensitive issues.
• Support and mentoring from experienced colleagues within a specialist team.
• Professional development and opportunities to deepen your knowledge and advocacy skills.
• Career progression within an established legal practice.
• A collaborative and supportive environment where client care and professional excellence are prioritised.
• Modern systems and technology supporting effective case management and flexible working where appropriate.

Ready for Your Next Move? If you're a Court of Protection Solicitor with a passion for health, welfare and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable people, we'd love to hear from you. This is an opportunity to build your career in a specialist area of law while doing work that genuinely matters. Apply now, or contact Natalie Dwan at LJ Recruitment to find out more about this Court of Protection - Health & Welfare opportunity in Newcastle upon Tyne.