Assistant Head of Legal Services

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Independently manage a portfolio of complex Coroners' Inquests.
• Provide specialist advice on coronial matters to colleagues at all levels of the organisation.
• Plan and prepare for sensitive legal hearings.
• Attend and advocate at Inquests, including examining and cross-examining witnesses and making legal submissions.
• Manage a portfolio of clinical and non-clinical claims.
• Provide advice regarding the management and settlement of claims.
• Work in accordance with relevant NHS Resolution schemes, protocols and legal requirements.
• Liaise with key external legal stakeholders including NHS Resolution, panel solicitors, Counsel and HM Coroner.
• Obtain and review records, witness statements and other evidence required for claims and Inquests.
• Prepare legal briefings and reports for senior managers.
• Support organisational learning arising from claims and Inquests.
• Provide specialist advice and training to clinical and non-clinical colleagues.

Essential

• A legal qualification/degree and/or substantial relevant claims management or Inquest experience.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of legal provisions, structures and policies.
• Demonstrable experience of managing clinical and/or non-clinical negligence claims within a healthcare environment.
• Strong knowledge of coronial law and process.
• Understanding of NHS Resolution and the claims/investigation process.
• Experience of independently managing complex legal caseloads.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to communicate complex, sensitive and potentially contentious information confidently.
• Strong analytical and decision-making capability.
• Excellent organisation and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• The ability to work independently and exercise professional judgement.
• Strong stakeholder-management skills, including the ability to advise and influence senior colleagues.
• Particularly Advantageous
• Previous NHS or healthcare legal experience.
• Experience of attending Coroners' Court and providing advocacy.
• Experience of working with NHS Resolution and panel solicitor firms.
• Previous line management experience.
• Experience delivering legal training.
• Knowledge of corporate and clinical governance within the NHS.