Are you a Solicitor or CILEX Lawyer with a passion for supporting vulnerable individuals at some of the most critical moments of their lives?
Do you want to develop your career within Court of Protection – Health & Welfare, working on genuinely meaningful cases that make a real difference?
Are you looking for a supportive, values‑led law firm where flexibility, growth, and high‑quality work go hand‑in‑hand?
Gillespie Recruitment is delighted to be working with a highly regarded, award‑winning, Legal 500–recognised law firm to appoint a Solicitor or CILEX Lawyer (up to c.3 years PQE) to join their growing Court of Protection – Health & Welfare team based in Manchester.
This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer with experience in Court of Protection, mental health, family law, or safeguarding work to specialise further in Health & Welfare, with full support, supervision, and development offered.
The Role
As a Court of Protection – Health & Welfare Solicitor, you will support individuals who lack capacity to make decisions about their care, treatment and living arrangements. You’ll work on a varied and meaningful caseload, including both Legal Aid and private matters, involving complex capacity issues, best‑interest decisions and disputed applications to the Court of Protection. This is an ideal role for someone who is compassionate, organised and confident working with vulnerable clients, families and multidisciplinary professionals.
Key Responsibilities
Court of Protection & Client Work
* Manage your own caseload of Health & Welfare Court of Protection matters
* Support clients who lack capacity in relation to care, treatment and residency decisions
* Act as a clear, calm and reassuring point of contact for clients and families
* Attend clients in hospitals and care settings to take instructions
* Attend CPA meetings and liaise with health, social care and rehabilitation professionals
* Prepare and manage Court of Protection applications and related documentation
Legal Aid & Case Management
* Confidently correspond with courts, third parties and the Legal Aid Agency
* Prepare Legal Aid applications and utilise the Legal Aid Agency portal
* Ensure matters are handled with accuracy, diligence and empathy
* Record time accurately and manage files in line with internal procedures
Financial & Fee‑Earning Responsibility
* Deliver fee‑earning work that contributes positively to department performance
* Agree fees with clients (fixed fees or hourly rates with estimates where applicable)
* Bill matters promptly and in line with Legal Aid rules
* Take responsibility for financial control, including monies on account where appropriate
Business Development & Profile Building
* Support the growth of the Health & Welfare department
* Build and maintain referral sources within health, welfare and mental health sectors
* Participate in marketing and business development activity, including events, networking and content creation
* Develop a professional profile as a trusted specialist in this area of law
About You
Essential Experience & Skills
* Solicitor or CILEX Lawyer with up to around 3 years’ PQE
* Background in Court of Protection, mental health law, family law, safeguarding or similar vulnerable‑client work
* Strong communication skills with clients, colleagues and external professionals
* Confident managing sensitive and emotionally complex situations
* Highly organised with excellent time‑management skills
* Able to work independently while contributing effectively within a team
* Committed to confidentiality, compliance and client‑first practice
Desirable (Not Essential)
* Experience in Health & Welfare Court of Protection work
* Knowledge of Legal Aid processes
* Law Society Mental Health Accreditation (or willingness to work towards it)
Attributes & Values
* Compassionate, professional and people‑focused
* Calm and confident under pressure
* Proactive, organised and detail‑driven
* Motivated by meaningful work and long‑term development
* Aligned with strong values around integrity, excellence, collaboration, courage and kindness
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary with firm‑wide annual bonus scheme
* Flexible working culture (35 hours per week – not a rigid 9–5)
* Hybrid working with a Manchester base and occasional travel to other offices
* Generous holiday allowance plus Christmas closure
* Enhanced pension contributions
* Life assurance
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Wellbeing and retail discount schemes
* Birthday and Christmas gifts
* Additional long‑service leave
* A genuinely supportive environment with clear progression and internal development
* Opportunity to specialise and grow within Court of Protection – Health & Welfare
Interested? If you’re a Solicitor or CILEX Lawyer looking to build a rewarding career in Court of Protection Health & Welfare law, we’d love to speak with you.
Apply today or contact Gillespie Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
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