Solicitor - Public Law & Human Rights

Irwin Mitchell LLP; West of England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Annual pay and bonus review

Health and wellbeing support

Competitive pension

Two volunteering days

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell LLP in Bristol is seeking a Solicitor to join the Public Law & Human Rights team, focusing on Court of Protection Health & Welfare matters.

You will advise clients, handle deprivation of liberty challenges, best interests applications, capacity disputes, safeguarding, and advocate when needed, working with vulnerable individuals and families.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with between NQ and 4 years' PQE.
• Experience in Court of Protection Health & Welfare matters.
• Mental Capacity Act and deprivation of liberty knowledge.
• Experience working with vulnerable adults and their networks.
• Advocacy experience or willingness to develop advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Work on Court of Protection Health & Welfare matters.
• Handle Section 21A challenges to deprivation of liberty.
• Prepare best interests applications relating to residence, care, contact, and medical treatment.
• Manage capacity disputes and safeguarding matters.
• Support vulnerable clients and families through challenging circumstances.

Skills

Advocacy experience

Client relationship building

Empathy and professionalism

Managing sensitive cases

Job description

Solicitor - Public Law & Human Rights (6525)

Who We Are

As one of the UK’s leading law firms, we’re here for the people and businesses who rely on us at life’s important moments - made possible by our colleagues who bring the expertise, judgement and care that makes the difference.

Our colleagues bring Irwin Mitchell to life every day, so it matters that you feel valued from the very first day and are trusted with the responsibility, in the right culture, to do the best work of your careers. Everyone’s path here is different, but we share a desire to help our business make a real impact.

Where possible we will support our colleagues to work in a way that works for them, for us and most importantly our clients. Please speak to a member of our Recruitment and Onboarding team for more information.

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing

The Bristol team works closely with colleagues across the national Public Law & Human Rights practice, advising on complex Court of Protection matters and supporting vulnerable individuals and their families through challenging and often life-changing circumstances. We are seeking a Solicitor to join our Bristol office and support the team with a dedicated Court of Protection Health & Welfare caseload, which may include:

• Section 21A challenges to deprivation of liberty
• Best interests applications relating to residence, care, contact, and medical treatment
• Capacity disputes
• Safeguarding and risk-related matters
• Supporting vulnerable clients with complex needs

This is an excellent opportunity to work on high-quality, meaningful cases alongside experienced specialists in the field and develop your expertise within a nationally recognised team.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor with between NQ and 4 years' PQE
• Court of Protection Health & Welfare matters
• Mental Capacity Act and deprivation of liberty issues
• Working with vulnerable adults and their support networks
• Managing sensitive and complex cases with empathy and professionalism
• Advocacy experience or a willingness to develop advocacy skills
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, families, experts and other professionals We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about protecting the rights of vulnerable people and committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality client care.

Our Approach to Reward and Wellbeing

• 25 days' holiday as standard, rising to 28 days depending on role level, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Opportunities to share in our success through annual pay and bonus review processes for eligible colleagues.
• Health and wellbeing support, including Westfield Health and Digital GP access.
• Competitive pension arrangements to help you plan for the future.
• Two paid volunteering days every year to support causes that matter to you.
• Access to a range of colleague discounts and lifestyle benefits to support you both inside and outside of work.

We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.

In 2026, Irwin Mitchell was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work guide and was the only law firm included in the 'Very Big' organisation category

Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim.

Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.