Deputy Head of Clinical Legal Services (Interim)

About the role

A large and complex healthcare organisation is seeking an experienced legal professional to join its Clinical Legal Services team on an interim basis. The role supports vital healthcare services, handling claims, inquests, healthcare law and risk management matters over a 3‑6 month assignment.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of inquests from receipt to conclusion.
• Represent the organisation as an Interested Person at Coroner's Court hearings.
• Provide healthcare law advice on consent, capacity, best interests and patient care issues.
• Manage non‑clinical claims and support the management of clinical negligence claims.
• Prepare witnesses for court attendance and support staff throughout legal proceedings.
• Draft and review witness statements.
• Liaise with instructed solicitors, external legal representatives, claims bodies and other stakeholders.
• Support clinical teams through complex legal matters and investigations.
• Analyse claims and inquest trends and present findings to senior stakeholders.
• Deputise for the Head of Clinical Legal Services, including operational leadership.

Required profile

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Chartered Legal Executive or equivalent legal qualification.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in healthcare law.
• Proven experience managing claims, inquests and healthcare law matters within the healthcare sector.
• Experience representing clients in court or contentious legal proceedings.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare law, including consent, capacity, Mental Capacity Act and best interests issues.
• Ability to manage sensitive and emotionally challenging situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills; ability to work independently while handling a complex caseload.