Job Description

In this client-facing role, the Senior Healthcare Lawyer will provide personalised, professional legal support across the Trust. As a key member of KingsLegal, the Senior Healthcare Lawyer will deliver expert legal advice and representation on complex healthcare law matters. This includes advocacy, handling sensitive and complex inquests, Court proceedings, (particularly Court of Protection), the interface with NHSR and multi-faceted clinical negligence claims. The Senior Healthcare Lawyer will manage a wide range of healthcare advisory work, including supporting specialist teams with mental capacity, mental health, safeguarding, and consent issues. The role involves hands-on casework, oral representation both at Court and with official bodies as well as the in-person development and supervision of junior legal staff. The post holder will work closely with the General Counsel (Healthcare) and Head of Legal Services to deliver a premium, proficient legal service that aligns with the Trust's strategic goals.

Legal Case Management :

Lead and manage complex legal cases including clinical negligence, inquests, LTPS, and Court of Protection matters; conduct investigations, prepare legal reports, and represent the Trust in various legal forums.

Advocacy and Representation :

Undertake advocacy in court and tribunal settings (e.g., Inquests, Court of Protection, Magistrate's and County Courts), ensuring compliance with legal protocols and safeguarding the Trust's reputation.

Client-Focused Legal Advice :

Provide expert legal advice in diverse environments (ward, boardroom, off-site), covering both contentious and advisory matters.

Healthcare Legal Advisory :

Advise on complex healthcare law issues (consent, mental health, safeguarding, etc.), identify legal risks early, and guide policy and compliance improvements.

Governance and Risk Oversight :

Use legal insights from claims and case data to inform risk management and governance, contributing to Trust committees and improvement initiatives.

Leadership and Training :

Supervise and develop junior legal staff, support recruitment, and deliver legal training across the Trust, while shaping the strategic direction of the legal team.



The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.



We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.



King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.



Main Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Case Management:

Lead complex portfolios, including:

Clinical negligence

LTPS

Inquest matters

Court of Protection cases (and other Court matters)



Conduct detailed investigations, gather and analyse evidence, and prepare legal reports and advice.

Undertake advocacy in various settings, including:

Inquests

Court of Protection hearings

Magistrate's Court

County Court

Public Inquiries



Ensure compliance with NHS Resolution and statutory protocols.

Represent the Trust in sensitive and complex legal matters, maintaining professionalism and protecting the Trust's reputation.

Provide client-facing advice in various settings:

On the ward

In the boardroom

Off-site

Healthcare Advisory Work:

Provide practical and timely legal advice on complex healthcare-related issues, including:



Consent

Mental Capacity

Mental health

Safeguarding

Best Interests



Early identification and management of potential legal proceedings.

Advise on the Trust's policies and regulatory obligations, recommending improvements.

Governance and Risk Management:

Analyse claims, inquests, and advisory data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Support governance processes and contribute legal input to Trust committees and working groups.

Leadership and Management:

Supervise, train, and mentor junior members of KingsLegal with strong in-person attention.

Support the recruitment, induction, and ongoing training within KingsLegal.

Contribute to the strategic development of KingsLegal.

Deliver Trust-wide legal training for clinical and management staff.