Trust Barrister / Trust Solicitor with Higher Rights

The successful post-holder will co-lead a team of paediatric specialist lawyers. They will have expert knowledge, acquired over a significant period of time in a relevant area of legal practice, with wider subject matter expertise across a number of key areas relating to paediatric healthcare (e.g. inquests, DOLS, MCA, consent, safeguarding, MHA). They will enjoy sharing their technical expertise, in an accessible manner, with staff across a range of backgrounds. They will regularly appear in court on behalf of the Trust and will support more junior staff within the Team to improve their advocacy skills and abilities. The role lends itself to someone who is good at spotting issues on the ground and is keen to try to use their expertise to improve situations for the future.,

• Provide highly specialised expert advice, decision making and leadership on matters relating to a wide range of clinical and personal injury litigation, insurance-related claims and other legal issues, including approaches from the police.


• Be responsible for the management and professional leadership of a dedicated legal service that will span across the entire organisation, the development of which will require a strategic approach.


• Representation as counsel for the Trust in court hearings including: application for treatment or withdrawal of treatment applications in the Family Division of the High Court; Court of Protection hearings; Family Court hearing; inquests.


• Work collaboratively with staff of all disciplines to investigate and where possible defend clinical negligence and personal injury claims against the Trust. Advise staff of progress and outcome of claims, providing support, and as far as possible ensuring staff understand and agree with Trust stance on any admissions to be made.


• Identify learning opportunities that will arise from claims or other findings in courts; persuade, motivate and influence senior professionals to use these opportunities to develop and improve practice where necessary.


Working for our organisation
GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.
We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women's staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust's mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

Great Ormond Street Hospital is seeking a full-time Trust Barrister (or Trust Solicitor with Higher Rights) to join the in-house Legal Team on a permanent basis.

The recruitment process for all admin and clerical roles at Bands 2-4 will be a two stage recruitment process whereby shortlisted candidates will undertake an online literacy, numeracy, ICT and typing test. Only those candidates who pass the competency test will proceed to a formal interview.
The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification criteria for this post will be shortlisted. Please note that where high volumes of applicants have been received, additional criteria may on occasion be used to determine the final shortlist.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
We are an accredited Living Wage Employer.