Newly Qualified Solicitor

C. T. Bollen Mental Health Solicitors

Glasgow

C. T. Bollen Mental Health Solicitors is seeking a newly qualified solicitor to join our growing practice.

We represent patients in proceedings before the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland, with clients located throughout Scotland. This is an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified solicitor who is interested in developing a career in mental health and legal aid work and who would like to gain significant advocacy and client-facing experience from an early stage.

The Role

The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Solicitor and will be involved in all aspects of mental health law casework, including:

• Representing patients before the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland;
• Meeting and taking instructions from clients in hospitals and other settings throughout Scotland;
• Preparing cases for Tribunal hearings;
• Liaising with Mental Health Officers, Responsible Medical Officers, advocacy workers, family members and other professionals;
• Conducting Tribunal advocacy; and
• Managing their own caseload with appropriate supervision and support.

Previous experience representing patients before the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland would be desirable but is not essential. Full training, supervision and support will be provided, and we would particularly welcome applications from newly qualified solicitors who have an interest in developing a specialism in mental health law.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• A Scottish qualified solicitor or due to qualify shortly;
• Confident dealing directly with clients;
• Interested in advocacy and appearing before Tribunals;
• Able to work independently while also seeking guidance where appropriate;
• Organised and capable of managing a varied caseload;
• Empathetic and comfortable representing clients who may be experiencing difficult or challenging circumstances; and
• Committed to providing high-quality representation to legally aided clients.
A full UK driving licence is essential, as the firm represents clients throughout Scotland and regular travel to hospitals and Tribunal hearings is an important part of the role.

Experience in mental health law, legal aid work or Tribunal advocacy would be advantageous, but is not essential as full training will be provided.

What We Offer

This role provides an opportunity to develop genuine expertise in a specialist area of law while gaining a level of advocacy and client responsibility that can be difficult to obtain at an early stage of a solicitor’s career.

The successful candidate will receive:

• Full training in mental health law and Tribunal practice;
• Regular support and supervision from an experienced mental health solicitor;
• Significant advocacy experience;
• Direct responsibility for clients and cases as experience develops;
• Exposure to cases throughout Scotland; and
• The opportunity to develop a long-term career within a growing specialist practice.

Position: Full-time, permanent

Location: Airdrie/Remote

Applications are welcomed from newly qualified solicitors and solicitors approaching qualification who are interested in developing a career in this specialist and rewarding area of practice.

To apply, please submit a CV together with a short covering letter explaining your interest in the position and in mental health law to office@ctbollensolicitors.co.uk.