Healthcare Lawyer

King's College Hospital; Ilford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust is seeking a Senior Healthcare Lawyer to provide expert legal support on complex healthcare law matters, including inquests and clinical negligence claims. The successful candidate will manage legal cases, provide client-facing advice, and supervise junior staff. This role is key in aligning the legal service with the Trust's strategic goals, requiring significant legal experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Significant postgraduate diploma level or equivalent experience in claims and/or inquest management.
• Extensive court advocacy competence.
• Ability to analyse claims and legal risks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex legal cases including inquests and Court of Protection matters.
• Provide client-facing legal advice and conduct investigations.
• Supervise junior legal staff and deliver legal training.

Skills

Client-facing legal advice

Court advocacy

Claims management

Legal training

Education

Qualified solicitor, legal executive or barrister of England and Wales

Postgraduate diploma or equivalent experience

Membership of professional body

Job description

In this client-facing role, the Senior Healthcare Lawyer will provide personalised, professional legal support across the Trust, delivering expert advice and representation on complex healthcare law matters including advocacy, inquests, court proceedings (particularly Court of Protection), interface with NHS Resolution, and clinical negligence claims. The post will support the General Counsel (Healthcare) and Head of Legal Services to align the legal service with the Trust’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex legal cases, including clinical negligence, inquests, LTPS and Court of Protection matters; conduct investigations, prepare legal reports and represent the Trust in various legal forums.
• Undertake advocacy in court and tribunal settings (Inquests, Court of Protection, Magistrates’ and County Courts) whilst ensuring compliance with legal protocols and safeguarding the Trust’s reputation.
• Provide client-facing legal advice in diverse environments (ward, boardroom, off‑site) covering both contentious and advisory matters.
• Advise on complex healthcare law issues (consent, mental health, safeguarding, best interests, etc.), identify legal risks early and recommend policy and compliance improvements.
• Analyse claims, inquests and advisory data to inform risk management and governance, contributing to Trust committees and improvement initiatives.
• Supervise and develop junior legal staff, support recruitment, and deliver legal training across the Trust.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, legal executive or barrister of England and Wales or equivalent experience and training.
• Evidence of significant postgraduate diploma level or equivalent experience of claims and/or inquest management in the NHS or a comparable environment.
• Extensive inquest and/or other court advocacy competence.
• Membership of a relevant professional body / practising certificate (e.g., Solicitors Regulation Authority or Bar Council).

Desirable

• Higher rights of audience and significant experience of NHS claims management, including high‑value clinical negligence claims and complex Coroner’s inquests.
• Extensive experience of appearing in court and representing clients in contentious, high‑profile or high‑risk matters.
• Sound file‑management skills, including use of attendance notes and maintaining electronic records where required.
• Extensive experience managing Court of Protection matters and court applications.
• Strong knowledge and ability to provide prompt, accurate and consistent legal advice on healthcare regulatory matters.
• Track record of supervising and training junior legal staff, representing the Trust at inquests and other court matters, and supporting non‑legal staff as needed.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently escalates to senior management for guidance on complex matters.
• Strong strategic thinking – ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise.
• Excellent use of available information sources to enable efficient planning.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, meet tight and changing deadlines, and prepare comprehensive reports for committees at short notice.
• Proven ability to work on own initiative, organise workload and allocate work as necessary.
• Experience on internal and external committees to raise the Trust’s profile and share learning.

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust‑wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person‑centred, digitally enabled and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.