Senior Lawyer (Court of Protection) in Manchester

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

Closing Date: 23.59pm, 26 April 2026

Interview method: in person

Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role is subject to legal right to work: evidence of right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Two references – ideally 3 years’ history.

Qualification and registration – Qualified solicitor, barrister with litigation conduct authorisation, Chartered Lawyer or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with advocacy and litigation conduct practising rights. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance – Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required, as per the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Information will be dealt with confidentially in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice.

We are seeking an experienced Court of Protection lawyer to provide high quality legal representation to our Children’s Services clients in the Court of Protection arena focusing on 16 and 17 year olds. You will play an integral part in supporting Manchester and Salford’s Children’s Services, providing legal advice and advocacy as they transition to adulthood.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice to children’s services on matters relating to the transition of young people to adulthood.
• Represent the local authority and children’s services clients in Court of Protection hearings.
• Conduct advocacy and prepare case materials for court proceedings.
• Mentor less experienced team members and lead by example in professional practice.
• Manage a busy caseload of complex matters, prioritising and organising work efficiently.

Qualifications:

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent legal professional with relevant authority.
• Litigation conduct authorisation or equivalent advocacy qualifications.
• Experience in Court of Protection or similar public service litigation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft legal documentation and give clear advice.
• Evidence of right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively under minimal supervision.

EEO and Diversity:

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panel's minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the following criteria: Members of the Armed Forces, officers or veterans; Current or former care leavers; Individuals with a disability or long-term condition.

Benefits We Offer:

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of service.
• Additional leave can be purchased up to two extra weeks.
• Enrolment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with life cover of three times salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave for bonding and support during critical life events.
• Discounts on a range of products and services (e.g., shopping, travel, phone contracts, cycle-to-work scheme).
• Dedicated training and professional development programmes, including mentoring and coaching.
• Investment in workplace flexibility, fair pay and health and wellbeing support.
• Volunteering leave – up to 3 days pro-rata of paid leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Disability Confident Employer:

Workplace adjustment hub providing specialist support, advice and guidance for thriving at work. Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network offering inclusive spaces for sharing experiences and influencing practice. Commitment to accessibility standards and disability-friendly workplaces.