Court of Protection (Health & Welfare) / Mental Health Solicitor
Location: South Manchester (Hybrid Working Available)
PQE: NQ – 3 Years
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
A specialist and values-driven law firm in South Manchester is looking to recruit a Solicitor to join its growing Court of Protection Health & Welfare and Mental Health team.
This is a rare opportunity to undertake deeply meaningful work, supporting and representing some of the most vulnerable individuals at the most challenging times in their lives. The firm is very willing to retrain the right candidate and welcomes applications from solicitors who are looking to transition into this area of law. Full training, supervision and ongoing support will be provided to develop the necessary technical expertise.
The Role
You will undertake a caseload primarily focused on Court of Protection Health & Welfare matters, with some Mental Health law work (ideally a greater proportion of COP than MH).
The work will involve:
1. Acting for vulnerable individuals in Court of Protection proceedings
2. Representing clients in health and welfare disputes, including serious medical treatment cases
3. Advising on capacity, best interests, care arrangements and deprivation of liberty matters
4. Undertaking advocacy where appropriate
5. Representing clients detained under the Mental Health Act, including Tribunal work
6. Working closely with families, litigation friends, medical professionals and local authorities
7. This is a busy and rewarding, court-facing role requiring confidence, resilience and strong client care skills.
Who Should Apply?
8. The firm is open-minded and actively willing to retrain solicitors from a variety of backgrounds, including:
9. Criminal law
10. Family law
11. Mental health law
12. Court of Protection (Property & Affairs)
13. Other people-focused or litigation-based disciplines
If you have experience supporting vulnerable clients, managing sensitive situations, or running a busy court practice, your skills will be highly transferable. Technical training in Court of Protection Health & Welfare and Mental Health law will be provided.
Candidates from NQ up to 3 years PQE are encouraged to apply.
The Ideal Candidate
14. Demonstrates empathy and a strong commitment to client welfare
15. Comfortable managing a busy and sometimes emotionally complex caseload
16. Confident in court or keen to develop advocacy skills
17. Organised and able to work independently with supervision
18. Motivated to specialise and build a long-term career in this field
Why Apply?
19. Full training and support provided for those retraining
20. Opportunity to specialise in highly rewarding and impactful work
21. Growing and developing team
22. Strong supervision from experienced practitioners
23. Competitive salary
24. Hybrid working
This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate and motivated solicitor – whether experienced in this area or looking to retrain – to build a meaningful long-term career in Court of Protection Health & Welfare and Mental Health law within a supportive and specialist environment.