Head of Department - Clinical Negligence

HEAD OF CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE DEPARTMENT An established and highly regarded legal practice is seeking an experienced Head of Clinical Negligence to lead and develop its Clinical Negligence Department in Newcastle. This is a senior leadership role for a values-driven lawyer who is committed to exceptional client care, high professional standards, and the development of talented legal teams. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the department, while ensuring clients receive compassionate, expert representation at some of the most challenging times in their lives. The Role - Provide strong, values-led leadership to a specialist Clinical Negligence team, fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment. - Champion a client-focused culture where integrity, empathy, and excellence underpin all decision-making. - Ensure colleagues are appropriately trained, supervised, and supported, with clear development and progression pathways. - Client Care & Case Oversight - Maintain oversight of case progression to ensure timely outcomes, transparent communication, and consistently high standards of client service. - Personally oversee complex and high-value clinical negligence matters, acting as lead solicitor on high-profile cases where required. - Offer technical guidance and mentorship to colleagues handling sensitive and complex claims. - Develop and deliver a strategic plan for the department that supports sustainable growth while remaining aligned with the organisation's values and commitment to access to justice. - Balance commercial responsibility with compassionate service, ensuring financial controls support long-term quality and fairness. - Take responsibility for departmental performance, monitoring KPIs to drive continuous improvement. The Candidate - Qualified solicitor or barrister with a minimum of 10 years' PQE in clinical negligence. - Experience sufficient to obtain Law Society and/or AvMA panel membership. - Proven experience supervising legally aided work. - Extensive experience managing complex, high-value clinical negligence claims. - A credible and compassionate leader with the ability to build trust with both clients and colleagues. - Strong judgement, resilience, and the ability to operate effectively in emotionally demanding environments. - Commercially aware, with experience managing budgets and supporting sustainable growth. - Demonstrable experience in business development within the clinical negligence sector. - Well-established relationships with key external stakeholders. For more information on this Head of Clinical Negligence role in Newcastle, please contact Rozie Hunter at BCL Legal. BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.