Solicitor - Inquests

DWF Law LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF Law LLP in Manchester is recruiting an Inquest Solicitor to join our Police, Care and Justice team. Hybrid role with travel to the office 1–3 days a week, and occasional national travel.

You will manage coronial and complex Article 2 inquest matters, advise a range of public and private sector clients on legal and reputational risk, and draft witness statements and legal submissions. Strong drafting, advocacy, and client relationship skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or equivalent with inquest experience.
• Experience managing your own caseload independently.
• Knowledge of coronial law and inquest procedure.
• Experience advising healthcare, prison or policing clients.
• Strong drafting skills, including witness statements and legal submissions.
• Experience preparing witnesses and supporting clients through sensitive matters.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of coronial and complex Article 2 inquest matters from inception through to conclusion.
• Advise public and private sector clients on legal, regulatory and reputational risks arising from deaths, serious incidents and investigations.
• Represent a broad range of clients, including police forces, prison services, healthcare providers and local authorities.
• Prepare and draft witness statements, written submissions and legal advice.
• Prepare witnesses for inquest hearings, providing clear guidance and support throughout the process.
• Attend and represent clients at pre-inquest reviews, final inquest hearings and other related proceedings.
• Conduct advocacy where appropriate and work closely with instructed counsel on complex or high-profile matters.
• Collaborate with senior solicitors on complex and sensitive cases, contributing to effective case strategy and client service.
• Develop strong client relationships, delivering practical and commercially focused advice.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider Police, Care and Justice team to provide a seamless client experience.

Skills

Inquest experience

Caseload management

Coronial law

Legal drafting

Witness preparation

Client advisory (healthcare/prison/pol

Communication skills

Job description

Why join us?

DWF is currently recruiting an Inquest Solicitor to join our Manchester office as part of our wider Police, Care and Justice team.

Our team specialises in civil litigation, inquests and public inquiry representation for a broad range of public and private sector clients, including police forces, prisons, healthcare providers and educational institutions.

The Inquest sub-team handles a diverse range of matters, including high-profile, multi-party Article 2 jury inquests.

This role is ideal for a qualified legal professional with inquest experience and a strong interest in custodial and healthcare-related inquest work.

This is a hybrid role based in Manchester, with travel to the office required one to three days per week. Occasional national travel and overnight stays may be required for hearings and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of coronial and complex Article 2 inquest matters from inception through to conclusion.
• Advise public and private sector clients on legal, regulatory and reputational risks arising from deaths, serious incidents and investigations.
• Represent a broad range of clients, including police forces, prison services, healthcare providers and local authorities.
• Prepare and draft witness statements, written submissions and legal advice.
• Prepare witnesses for inquest hearings, providing clear guidance and support throughout the process.
• Attend and represent clients at pre-inquest reviews, final inquest hearings and other related proceedings.
• Conduct advocacy where appropriate and work closely with instructed counsel on complex or high-profile matters.
• Collaborate with senior solicitors on complex and sensitive cases, contributing to effective case strategy and client service.
• Develop strong client relationships, delivering practical and commercially focused advice.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider Police, Care and Justice team to provide a seamless client experience.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor or equivalent legal professional with experience in inquest work.
• Experience managing your own caseload independently.
• Knowledge of coronial law and inquest procedure.
• Experience advising healthcare, prison or policing clients.
• Strong drafting skills, including witness statements and legal submissions.
• Experience preparing witnesses and supporting clients through sensitive matters.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organisation skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proactive, collaborative and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Genuine interest in inquest work and ongoing professional development.

Desirable

• Advocacy experience, or willingness to develop advocacy skills.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn't align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.