The Senior Inquest Advocate is a senior legal specialist within the Trust’s Legal Services Department at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT). The role demands leading the effective management of Inquests and advising on complex healthcare legal matters, supporting the Trust’s legal risk management, patient safety learning, and statutory compliance with a strong emphasis on internal advocacy, expert legal advice, learning and service improvement.
Qualifications
* Qualified solicitor or chartered legal executive
* Extensive Inquest experience
* Strong knowledge of the Coroners and Justice Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Court of Protection rules
* Ability to supervise and develop junior staff, contribute to policy development and enhance the overall effectiveness and capability of the in‑house legal function
Responsibilities
* Independently manage a high‑profile and complex caseload, acting as the Trust's advocate at Coroner’s Court and providing specialist support with Court of Protection matters
* Oversee day‑to‑day coordination of Inquests, ensuring timely, consistent, and high‑quality legal support to clinical and operational teams
* Guide staff through Inquest and court processes, support statement preparation, and ensure robust, patient‑focused legal responses compliant with relevant legislation
* Analyse trends, identify lessons learned, and feed insights into the Trust’s governance, patient safety and training structures
* Conduct line management of legal services staff and shape the strategic direction of the in‑house Inquests function
* Collaborate closely with clinicians, operational leaders, the executive team, and external stakeholders such as Coroners and legal counsel to represent the Trust’s legal position effectively and ethically
* Prepare concise reports and briefings for the Trust Board and executive team, translating complex legal issues into accessible information
* Liaise regularly with clinical divisions and operational leaders, supporting decision‑making processes as required
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