Job Description

Court of Protection Head of Department

Location: Ashton-under-Lyne

Salary: £70,000 to £95,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 8+ years’ qualified (Solicitor or FCILEx)

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Court of Protection specialist to step into a true leadership role, with the scope to drive growth, lead a team and shape the strategic direction of a well-established department.

Our client is looking to appoint a Solicitor or FCILEx (8+ years’ qualified experience) to join and lead their Court of Protection team in Ashton-under-Lyne. The team is in an exciting period of growth, supported by strong relationships with local referrers. Alongside managing your own caseload (with support from experienced solicitors and paralegals), you will take responsibility for the department’s performance and play a key role in business development and cross-referral across the wider group.

You will lead a team working with clients who often have complex needs and circumstances, meaning Court of Protection matters can overlap with other areas of law. The team also undertakes contested work, so advocacy experience is advantageous. For the right person, there is clear long-term progression, including a route to Partner and the potential to progress to a director-level position within the wider group.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and developing the Court of Protection department, including setting direction and driving growth

• Managing your own Court of Protection caseload, supported by solicitors and paralegals

• Building and maintaining a strong referrer network and raising the team’s external profile

• Working closely with the business development function to generate new opportunities

• Cross-referring work across the wider group and collaborating with colleagues in other practice areas

• Supervising and supporting team members, including coaching, appraisals and identifying training needs

• Taking responsibility for financial performance, including billing, recovery and chargeable time targets

• Ensuring the team works in line with firm policies and all regulatory and compliance requirements

• Handling or supporting on contested work where required (advocacy experience is an advantage)

What We’re Looking For

• Solicitor or FCILEx with 8+ years’ qualified experience

• Strong Court of Protection experience, with confidence managing complex client needs

• Proven experience supervising and managing others (essential)

• Commercial mindset and understanding of how a law firm operates as a business

• Entrepreneurial approach, with the drive to grow a department and develop new work streams

• Strong relationship-building skills with clients, referrers and internal stakeholders

• Comfortable taking ownership of departmental performance and strategic direction

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £70,000 to £95,000 plus bonus and benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

• Loyalty holiday scheme

• Option to purchase additional holiday

• Discretionary annual bonus scheme

• Health and wellbeing benefits (including a healthcare cash plan)

• Death in service cover

• Long-term progression, including a clear route to Partner for the right candidate

Working Arrangements

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.