Deputy Head of Legal Services

About the role

A large, complex healthcare organisation is seeking an experienced legal professional to join its Clinical Legal Services team. The role provides expert legal guidance on sensitive and complex matters, working closely with senior clinical and executive stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of inquests from receipt to conclusion.
• Representing the organisation as an Interested Person at Coroner’s Court hearings.
• Providing healthcare law advice on consent, capacity, best‑interest and patient‑care issues.
• Managing non‑clinical claims and supporting clinical negligence claim management.
• Preparing witnesses for court attendance and drafting/reviewing witness statements.
• Liaising with instructed solicitors, external legal representatives, claims bodies and other stakeholders.
• Analysing claims and inquest trends and presenting findings to senior stakeholders.
• Deputising for the Head of Clinical Legal Services, including operational leadership when required.

Required profile

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Chartered Legal Executive or equivalent legal qualification with healthcare law experience.
• Proven experience managing claims, inquests and healthcare law matters.
• Experience representing clients in court or other contentious proceedings.
• Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, consent and best‑interest issues.
• Ability to manage sensitive, emotionally challenging situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience is advantageous.