At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist team in managing clinical legal services and high-profile cases.
- Company: Join a large NHS organisation committed to patient safety and quality care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape healthcare legal practices and influence strategic decisions at Board level.
- Qualifications: Experience in clinical claims and healthcare law; Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive preferred.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52800 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced healthcare legal professional to lead Clinical Legal Services within a large NHS organisation on an interim basis. As Head of Clinical Legal Services, you will provide strategic leadership across clinical negligence, non‑clinical claims, coronial inquests and wider healthcare legal matters. Leading a specialist team, you will oversee a complex portfolio of high‑value and high‑profile cases, represent the organisation at complex inquests, work closely with NHS Resolution and external legal advisers, and ensure legal risk is managed effectively while driving learning that improves patient safety and quality of care.
You will provide expert advice to executive and clinical leaders, develop policies and governance frameworks, manage external legal services and budgets, and deliver training to support staff involved in legal proceedings. A key part of the role is identifying themes and lessons from claims and inquests, embedding improvements across the organisation and influencing strategic decision‑making at Board level.
Duties will include:
- Provision of advice on a wide range of healthcare law queries acting as gatekeeper for external advice including but not limited to: consent, complex discharges, courts of protection, prosecutions, police issues, mental capacity/best interest.
- Leading on urgent Court Protection applications to the High Court to obtain emergency orders for patient care.
- Facilitating MDT meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
- Leading staff through process, supporting clinicians and the preparation of statements ensuring key issues have been addressed, preparing them for court alongside external lawyers.
About you: You will have significant experience managing clinical claims, inquests and healthcare legal matters within the NHS, supported by postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience in clinical claims or medical negligence. A law degree and qualification as a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive are desirable. You will have expert knowledge of coronial law, NHS Resolution processes and the legal frameworks governing healthcare litigation, together with outstanding leadership, communication and negotiation skills. You will be confident advising senior clinicians and executives, managing complex and sensitive cases, and leading a high‑performing team in a fast‑paced environment.
If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience for this role, please apply now or contact Natalie Ferguson in our Manchester office for more information.
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Interim Head of Clinical Legal Services employer: Sellick Partnership
At Sellick Partnership, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community engagement and employee growth. As a Mobile Caretaker in Nottinghamshire, you'll enjoy the benefits of a company van, competitive pay, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in local neighbourhoods while working alongside a dedicated housing team. We foster an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to creating safe, clean, and well-managed communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Clinical Legal Services
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Sellick Partnership.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Sellick Partnership does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
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Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Sellick Partnership.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Clinical Legal Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Sellick Partnership and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Interim Head of Clinical Legal Services role at Sellick Partnership. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Sellick Partnership.
