Court of Protection Solicitor

Location: Manchester, Bristol, Harpenden, Aldershot, Dorset

Contract type: Full-time, permanent, flexible working patterns – remote / hybrid / office-based

About the role

Bison Solicitors is a modern, forward-thinking law firm specialising in social welfare law. We are proud to be fully owned by our employees through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)—making us one of the only legal aid practices in the UK with this structure. Our model ensures that every team member has a genuine stake in the success of the firm. After 12 months’ service, employees automatically become beneficiaries of the EOT, sharing in the long-term growth and success of the business.

Our dynamic, rapidly expanding Human Rights and Court of Protection department principally represents clients throughout Hampshire, Surrey, London, Manchester and the Midlands who are deprived of their liberty in care homes or hospitals, lack mental capacity to make decisions about their residence and care, and object to their deprivation of liberty. We represent these clients through a litigation friend, often the Official Solicitor, to challenge their deprivation of liberty and ensure that they are cared for in the least restrictive conditions conducive to their safety.

We are seeking an experienced Court of Protection Solicitor to join our growing team, with a focus on health and welfare matters. You will manage a varied and rewarding caseload, representing vulnerable clients and their families in complex and sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Managing Court of Protection (welfare) cases from instruction to conclusion
• Advising clients, litigation friends, and family members
• Preparing applications, statements, and court documentation
• Representing clients at hearings and liaising with counsel where appropriate
• Working with local authorities, medical professionals, and other agencies
• Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid requirements and funding processes

Requirements

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales
• Experience in Court of Protection welfare work
• Strong knowledge of legal aid processes and compliance
• Confident managing your own caseload
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to access to justice and client care

Desirable Skills

• Experience in public law or community care law
• Advocacy experience
• Experience working with vulnerable clients

Benefits

• Flexible working – fully remote, hybrid, or office-based
• Genuinely supportive and collaborative team environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Employee Ownership Trust benefits after 12 months
• Career progression opportunities
• Carers’, parental, and bereavement leaves
• Additional annual leave day on your birthday
• Company pension
• Free on-site parking

Why Join Bison Solicitors?

Unlike traditional firms, Bison Solicitors is owned by its people. This means:

• Your work directly contributes to the firm’s success
• You share in that success over time
• You are part of a business that values fairness, transparency, and long-term growth

We combine high-quality legal work with a progressive, people-first structure, making this an excellent opportunity for solicitors seeking both professional development and a more meaningful role within their firm.