Public Inquiries Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Private healthcare and wellbeing

Enhanced pension contributions

Life assurance and income protection

Structured training and development

Exposure to nationally significant Mat

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Public Inquiries Solicitor to join its Manchester team and handle significant public inquiries, investigations and independent reviews.

You will contribute to national matters, advising public bodies and stakeholders on complex investigations with guidance from experienced lawyers in a specialist practice. This role offers hybrid working and a strong training path.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 1+ years' PQE.
• Experience in litigation, public law, investigations, regulatory law, inquiries or related areas.
• Involvement in disclosure, document review or evidence-heavy matters.
• Excellent analytical and investigative skills.
• Strong drafting and legal research abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Genuine interest in public inquiries and matters of wider public importance.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients involved in statutory and non-statutory public inquiries
• Assist with large-scale investigations, reviews and fact-finding exercises
• Support inquiry teams and core participants on complex and high-profile matters
• Conduct detailed evidence reviews and legal analysis across substantial volumes of documentation
• Manage disclosure and document review exercises
• Interview witnesses and assist with witness statement preparation
• Draft legal submissions, reports, chronologies and briefing notes
• Attend hearings, inquiry proceedings and client meetings
• Work closely with counsel, experts, investigators and key stakeholders
• Advise on procedural issues, disclosure obligations, privilege, freedom of information and data protection matters
• Assist with sensitive reputational and regulatory issues as required
• Contribute to matters attracting significant public and media attention

Skills

Analytical skills

Investigative experience

Drafting & research

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Public Inquiries Solicitor - Manchester - Up to £75,000

A leading national law firm is seeking an ambitious Public Inquiries Solicitor to join its specialist investigations practice in Manchester.

This is a rare opportunity to work on some of the most significant public inquiries, investigations and independent reviews in the UK. The successful candidate will assist on matters of national importance, advising public bodies, organisations and individuals involved in complex and often sensitive investigations, while working alongside highly experienced lawyers in this specialist field.

The team advises clients facing high-profile scrutiny and supports inquiries involving major public interest issues, offering a unique opportunity to develop expertise in investigations, disclosure, evidence analysis and inquiry procedure whilst building a long-term career within a growing and highly respected practice.

The Role

As a Public Inquiries Solicitor, you will:

• Advise clients involved in statutory and non-statutory public inquiries
• Assist with large-scale investigations, reviews and fact-finding exercises
• Support inquiry teams and core participants on complex and high-profile matters
• Conduct detailed evidence reviews and legal analysis across substantial volumes of documentation
• Manage disclosure and document review exercises
• Interview witnesses and assist with witness statement preparation
• Draft legal submissions, reports, chronologies and briefing notes
• Attend hearings, inquiry proceedings and client meetings
• Work closely with counsel, experts, investigators and key stakeholders
• Advise on procedural issues, disclosure obligations, privilege, freedom of information and data protection matters
• Assist with sensitive reputational and regulatory issues where required
• Contribute to the delivery of matters that attract significant public and media attention

About You

To be considered for this opportunity, you will have:

• Qualified Solicitor with 1+ years' PQE
• Experience gained in litigation, public law, investigations, regulatory law, inquiries or a related practice area
• Previous involvement in disclosure, document review or evidence-heavy matters
• Excellent analytical and investigative skills
• Strong drafting and legal research abilities
• Exceptional attention to detail and sound judgement
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing deadlines
• A genuine interest in public inquiries, investigations and matters of wider public importance

The Benefits

The firm offers an excellent package including:

• Salary of up to £75,000 depending on experience
• Performance-related bonus opportunities
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Life assurance and income protection
• Structured training and professional development programmes
• Opportunities to gain exposure to nationally significant matters
• Strong commitment to employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion