Overview
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is undertaking a bold and innovative transformation of its legal services. As part of this strategic shift, we are strengthening our dedicated, in-house Legal Services Department to deliver high-quality, responsive, and embedded legal support across the organisation. We are now recruiting a Senior Lawyer to join this newly developed team. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of healthcare law, contributing to a new model of legal service delivery and helping shape the future of legal governance in the Health Board.
Main duties
* Provide expert legal advice across one or more specialist areas of law (which will include as a minimum healthcare related law), supporting clinical and operational teams.
* Manage complex legal cases including inquests, Court of Protection matters, redress, and other healthcare-related litigation.
* Represent the Health Board in court and tribunal proceedings, including high-profile, multi-day hearings.
* Lead legal research, drafting, and advocacy, including preparing witness statements and legal submissions.
* Supervise and mentor junior legal staff and those working towards professional qualification.
* Contribute to organisational learning and improvement through legal insight, audits, and thematic reviews.
* Support the development of legal policy, procedures, and training across the Health Board.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
What we’re looking for
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated legal professional who is ready to take on a leadership role in a dynamic and evolving setting.
* A law degree or equivalent (e.g. CILEX CPQ), and a relevant postgraduate qualification.
* Admission as a solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive with litigation and advocacy rights.
* Significant experience in legal case management, litigation, and advocacy - ideally within healthcare, public law, or related sectors.
* Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to manage sensitive and complex legal matters.
* A commitment to continuous professional development and legal excellence.
Why join Legal Services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board?
* Be part of a unique legal transformation that is reshaping how legal services are delivered in Wales' biggest health board.
* Work in a supportive, forward-thinking team with opportunities for innovation, development, and influence.
* Make a real impact on patient care, staff wellbeing and professional development, and organisational governance through expert legal support.
This is more than a legal job—it’s a chance to be part of change, build something new, and make a lasting difference.
Strategic objectives of the Legal Services Department
* Establish an Effective Legal Services Department – Help shape a modern, responsive legal function that is embedded across the Health Board and trusted by its stakeholders.
* Improve Health Board Legal Processes – Lead improvements in how legal matters are managed, ensuring consistency, oversight, and timely escalation of risks.
* Enable Improvements to Legal Outcomes and Learning – Support the identification of learning from legal cases, contributing to safer care and better governance.
* Improve Working Practices in the Legal Services Department – Develop efficient, transparent, and collaborative ways of working across the team.
* Improve Professional Development and Wellbeing – Mentor and support colleagues, contributing to a culture of growth, wellbeing, and professional excellence.
Person specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Law degree or equivalent i.e. CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ)
* Relevant post-graduate qualification or equivalent experience
* Qualified lawyer with litigation and advocacy rights i.e.
* Qualified solicitor admitted to the roll of solicitors of England and Wales
* Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) Litigator and Advocate
* Qualified barrister admitted to the bar in England and Wales
* Regulation and Practicing Certificate with relevant regulatory body with no restrictions on ability to practice for this role
* Evidence of ongoing, relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
* Expert legal knowledge relevant to the area of law for this post
* Expert professional legal skills knowledge
Desirable criteria
* Higher rights of audience
Experience
Essential criteria
* Significant experience of providing professional legal services relevant to the area of law for this post
* Significant experience of managing a dedicated caseload of legal matters
* Significant experience of working with and managing highly complex, contentious and sensitive information and situations
Desirable criteria
* Experience of providing legal advice, conducting litigation and advocacy in relation to healthcare matters such as clinical negligence claims, personal injury claims, inquests, Court of Protection cases, etc.
* Experience of providing legal advice, conducting litigation and advocacy in relation to governance (including public law such as Judicial Review), commercial or employment matters
* Experience of providing in-house legal services within healthcare or related sector such as local government, etc.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Legal
* Hospitals and Health Care
Disability Confident Employer statements are in scope; apply as you are. This role is advertised in Wales and the Health Board is an equal opportunities employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr