Solicitor

Optical Express; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Free Laser Eye Surgery

Free eye tests

Eye wear discount

EAP & Wellbeing

Job summary

Optical Express is seeking a qualified Solicitor to join the in-house Legal team in Scotland, handling patient-related claims arising from ophthalmic services. You will work with clinicians, risk managers, insurers and external counsel to protect the company’s legal interests and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role focuses on managing clinical negligence and medical malpractice claims, assessing risk, and advising stakeholders on litigation strategy. Office-based, 40 hours/week.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in Scotland, or dual-qualified.
• Valid practising certificate.
• 3+ years' PQE in professional indemnity and medical negligence litigation.
• Experience reviewing expert medical evidence.
• Strong drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Experience handling high-value and sensitive claims.
• In-house experience is preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of clinical negligence and medical malpractice claims from pre-action stage through to resolution.
• Investigate allegations of negligence, informed consent issues, treatment complications, and patient complaints.
• Instruct and manage external solicitors, advocates, counsel, and medical experts where required.
• Assess legal and financial risk exposure and provide strategic recommendations.
• Negotiate settlements where appropriate and assist with litigation strategy.
• Support responses to complaints received from patients, regulators, and legal representatives.
• Advise senior management on litigation trends, case outcomes, and risk mitigation.

Skills

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Independent work

Advocacy

Litigation strategy

Education

Qualified Solicitor in Scotland

Dual-qualified

Job description

Hours of work: 40hrs pw, fully office based

Salary: Commensurate with level of experience

Optical Express is focused on delivering exceptional patient care, outstanding clinical outcomes and continued investment in our people and technology.

For over 35 years, millions of patients across all ages have trusted Optical Express with their eye care. As the UK's leading private provider of laser eye, premium intraocular lens and cataract surgery, our Surgeons undertake more refractive surgery procedures collectively than any other provider. We look after thousands of patients in our clinics every week and it’s a privilege to transform the lives of so many.

The Optical Express team work together, collectively and consistently striving for excellence. We support each other, respect each other and are committed to a culture of care, trust and integrity.

The culture extends to our local communities, through our range of charitable and environmental projects. We focus on doing what is right for our patients, our colleagues, our local communities and our planet.

Role Overview

We are seeking a qualified Solicitor to join our in-house Legal team, responsible for managing and defending patient-related claims arising from ophthalmic services, including laser eye surgery, lens replacement surgery, cataract surgery, and related clinical treatments.

The successful candidate will work closely with clinicians, risk managers, insurers, external counsel, and senior business stakeholders to protect the company's legal interests while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and clinical governance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of clinical negligence and medical malpractice claims from pre-action stage through to resolution.
• Investigate allegations of negligence, informed consent issues, treatment complications, and patient complaints.
• Instruct and manage external solicitors, advocates, counsel, and medical experts where required.
• Assess legal and financial risk exposure and provide strategic recommendations.
• Negotiate settlements where appropriate and assist with litigation strategy.
• Support responses to complaints received from patients, regulators, and legal representatives.
• Advise senior management on litigation trends, case outcomes, and risk mitigation.

Required Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in Scotland, or dual-qualified.
• Valid practising certificate.
• 3+ years' PQE in:
• Professional indemnity litigation
• Personal injury litigation with medical elements
• Strong understanding of clinical negligence law and litigation procedures.
• Experience reviewing expert medical evidence.
• Ability to analyse complex medical and legal issues.
• Excellent drafting, advocacy, and negotiation skills.
• Experience handling high-value and sensitive claims.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Previous In-house legal experience is preferred but not essential

A career at Optical Express is fulfilling, fun and rewarding. As an employee, you can benefit from the following:

• State of the art, modern working environments
• A competitive salary, commensurate with level of experience
• 33 days annual leave
• Free Laser Eye Surgery and Intraocular Lens Surgery
• Free eye tests
• Discounted prescription eye wear and sunglasses
• Generous Optical Express friends and family discount scheme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to a range of exclusive offers, discounts and rewards
• Employee Assistance Programme and Wellbeing Solutions/Support

If you are a motivated Solicitor with a strong background in clinical negligence defence litigation and are looking to progress your career within a leading healthcare organisation, we would welcome your application.