Who Are We?
Medical Defence Shield is a dynamic, specialist medical defence organisation providing tailored support, advice, and representation to healthcare professionals across the UK.
Our work covers a broad range of professional issues, including regulatory matters (GMC, GDC, etc.), employment disputes, complaints, disciplinary processes, medico-legal issues, and other complex matters arising in clinical practice. We uniquely integrate union-grade employment support and clinical/regulatory defence under one roof. We pride ourselves on our in-house, multidisciplinary team of solicitors, employment advisers, and medico-legal specialists who provide practical, supportive, and robust advice to members during what can often be the most stressful points of their careers.
About the Role
We are looking to recruit a motivated Trainee Solicitor to join our Legal Team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone committed to developing a career in regulatory, employment, and medico-legal work.
You will work closely with solicitors, case managers, and medico-legal advisers, gaining hands-on exposure to a varied caseload involving doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals. This role may be suitable for an internal candidate who has already gained experience within MDS, or an external candidate with relevant legal, regulatory, or healthcare experience.
Key Responsibilities
Working under expert supervision, you will assist with:
- Drafting & Preparation: Drafting letters, advice notes, submissions, chronologies, case summaries, and attendance notes. Preparing bundles, evidence summaries, and documents for hearings, meetings, and internal processes.
- Legal Research: Conducting in-depth research across employment law, regulatory law, professional discipline, and healthcare law.
- Case Management: Reviewing documents to identify key legal, factual, and evidential issues. Maintaining accurate case records, ensuring deadlines are met, and supporting the wider Legal Team with administrative tasks.
- Communication & Client Care: Liaising with members, external representatives, counsel, regulators, NHS organisations, and other third parties. Attending meetings and hearings where appropriate.
- Professional Development: Actively developing your professional judgement, drafting skills, client care skills, and understanding of the regulatory landscape affecting healthcare professionals.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are looking for someone who is bright, highly organised, and able to work carefully under supervision, with a genuine interest in supporting healthcare professionals.
Essential Requirements:
- A Law degree, GDL/PGDL, LPC, SQE studies, or an equivalent relevant legal background.
- A clear intention to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.
- Exceptional written English and drafting ability.
- Strong academic ability, sound judgement, professionalism, and discretion.
- A practical, empathetic approach to client care and resilience when dealing with sensitive or complex matters.
- The ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
- The ability to work independently while knowing exactly when to seek supervision.
- Good IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Office.
Desirable Experience:
- Previous exposure to Employment law, Regulatory/professional discipline work, or Healthcare/NHS/dental/medical defence work.
- Litigation, advocacy support, or case preparation experience.
- Prior experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, caseworker, or in an advisory/client-facing role within professional services.
Training and Development
This role provides a unique opportunity to develop as a future solicitor in a specialist organisation handling meaningful, high-impact work. MDS will provide the supervision, training, and support necessary to help you develop the competencies required of a solicitor. The practical legal experience gained in this role may be capable of being treated as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), subject to the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and satisfactory performance.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a tailored covering letter explicitly explaining:
- Why you are interested in this Trainee Solicitor role at MDS.
- Why you are drawn to medical defence, regulatory, and employment work.
- What specific skills and experience you would bring to the team.
- Your current stage on the solicitor qualification route (including any LPC, SQE, or QWE position).
Please note: Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
For Queries please email [email protected]
Internal Applicants: We strongly encourage internal applications. Please outline your relevant experience within MDS, highlighting any casework, drafting, client contact, administrative, or medico-legal experience that demonstrates your readiness for this step up.
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Equal Opportunities: Medical Defence Shield is committed to providing equal opportunities and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Recruitment decisions will be based strictly on merit, skills, experience, and suitability for the role.
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bromham MK40 2BP
