Regulatory solicitor

Job Description Retrain into regulatory law without taking a step backwards Hybrid working (typically 2 office days) in a team known for long-term retention High-quality advocacy, hearings and investigations work from the outset Regulatory law is one of those areas that keeps people interested long term — the work is varied, intellectually demanding and rarely repetitive. This Wigan-based role offers the chance to build a specialist career in that space within a team that has a strong reputation across the North West and a culture people tend to stay for. There’s already a broad mix of work coming into the department, ranging from professional discipline and regulatory defence through to CQC enforcement, Ofsted matters, criminal investigations and motoring offences. The team is particularly open-minded about background too, so this could suit someone already in regulatory law or a lawyer from commercial litigation, criminal defence or another contentious area looking to specialise. In the first few months, the focus will be on settling into the team, picking up a varied caseload and getting comfortable with how the department operates. Over time, you’ll build autonomy, attend hearings and interviews, strengthen client relationships and gradually establish yourself as a long-term member of the team with scope to support development and progression within the department. The environment itself is collaborative, down-to-earth and noticeably less corporate than many larger city-centre firms. There’s a strong sense of team identity despite hybrid working, and a genuine emphasis on flexibility, wellbeing and long-term development rather than churn and short-term billing pressure. Who we’re looking for NQ–3 PQE ideally (E) Experience in regulatory law (D) Open to candidates from commercial litigation, commercial, criminal defence or broader litigation backgrounds (E) Strong communication and client-handling skills (E) Good drafting and analytical ability (E) Able to manage competing priorities effectively (E) Comfortable working autonomously whilst contributing positively to a team environment (E) Commercial awareness and sound judgement (E) Collaborative, team-oriented and intellectually curious (E) Interested in developing a long-term career in regulatory law (E) What you’ll be doing Managing a varied caseload across: Professional discipline CQC enforcement Ofsted enforcement Regulatory defence Criminal investigations/prosecutions Motoring offences Attending hearings, client meetings, conferences with counsel and interviews under caution Drafting documents and progressing matters efficiently Managing risk, WIP, disbursements and client communication Contributing to practice development and internal cross-referrals Working collaboratively within a hybrid-working team environment Salary & Benefits £40,000–£50,000 DOE Hybrid/agile working (typically c.2 office days per week) Investors in People Gold accredited employer Sunday Times Best Places to Work recognised Strong long-term progression opportunities within the team Opportunity to build a specialist career in regulatory law Online wellbeing support covering mental, physical and financial wellbeing Holiday buy/sell scheme Retail discounts and cashback schemes Early monthly pay scheme Death in Service Cycle to Work scheme Travel and parking loans Employee savings schemes and referral incentives Supportive culture with strong retention and internal progression history