Court of Protection Paralegal in Bath, Somerset

Location: Davies and Partners Solicitors, 250 Aztec West, Park Avenue, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TR

Salary: Competitive. Paralegal Membership of the Professional Deputies Forum.

Working hours: Monday to Friday 37.5 hours per week flexible hours in the Bristol office. Some hybrid working can be agreed but should be flexible to suit departmental needs.

Davies and Partners Solicitors is a well-established law firm with over 30 years experience. It has a national reputation for excellence and strength in depth in a wide selection of legal services for businesses and individuals. There are 5 offices in Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham, London and Devon.

Reporting Line: This role reports to the Court of Protection Legal Director in the Bristol office.

Job Purpose: To provide support as a Paralegal in the Court of Protection department in Bristol.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• To carry out and be responsible for day-to-day work of court of protection files under the supervision of the Legal Director, and work effectively as part of a team.
• To set up and make payments, standing orders and pay invoices and reimburse costs on deputyship and trusts matters within the Court of Protection department.
• To liaise with third parties such as utility providers, landlords, local authorities, DWP and HMRC on clients' behalf as part of the day-to-day management of client affairs and keep accurate records of all such communications.
• To audit client bank accounts as directed.
• To scan incoming post to the relevant file and update client records accordingly.
• To assist in monitoring and managing the Court of Protection diary of key dates.
• To type file and attendance notes when required.
• To maintain detailed and accurate records of clients' affairs as directed by the senior members of the Department.
• To assist senior members of the department/unit with substantial case files and to exhibit flexibility, particularly in times of holiday/sickness.
• To undertake paralegal training relevant to Court of Protection grade D fee earners and to keep this up to date.
• To apply proper professional standards (SRA and OPG Deputy Standards) and gaining an awareness of the provisions of the office manual and observing best practice in the prevention of claims against the firm for professional negligence and in particular operating with a high degree of personal organisation.
• To demonstrate an awareness of clients' needs and perceptions to the discharge of your work for them and to act promptly, proactively and efficiently in relation to all client matters.
• To achieve legitimate billing in line with figures to be agreed with the Department/Unit Head.
• To comply with all other departmental procedures, including the regulation and control client indebtedness.
• To maintain up-to-date knowledge of the law in your areas of specialisation and to comply with the continuing professional development requirements.
• To seek to develop and improve the quality of your workload and level of your expertise.

Compliance:

• As part of our compliance procedures, applicants are asked to note that references will be followed up;
• All gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily;
• Proof of identity and (where applicable) qualifications will be required;
• Reference requests will ask specifically whether the applicant has ever been subject to any proceedings/complaints initiated by the Law Society or any other professional body.
• Appropriate suitability checks may be required prior to confirmation of appointment.
• This role meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• This role will require applicants who are offered employment to be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions.

Equal Opportunities:

Davies and Partners Solicitors provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable national laws. Davies and Partners Solicitors complies with applicable national laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Personal Specification:

• Legal Status: Appropriate DBS disclosure will be required prior to confirmation of appointment.
• Right to live and work in the UK: e.g. valid UK passport or appropriate visa/work permits.
• Education/Qualifications: Relevant experience as a Paralegal within Clinical Negligence; Relevant Law Degree.
• Skills/Knowledge: Basic understanding of personal injury law and practice and/or private client law and practice and/or Court of Protection law and practice.
• Ability to maintain and build upon existing client relationships through positive business development and acting as an ambassador of the company.
• Self-organised and proactive.
• Ability to take responsibility and solve problems.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• Adaptable to the needs of the business as changes occur during the operational requirements.
• Competent in the effective use of Case Management and other IT systems.
• The ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

You may have experience in the following: Court of Protection Paralegal, Paralegal, Private Client Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Paralegal, Deputyship Paralegal, Trusts Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Court of Protection Legal Assistant, Private Client Legal Assistant, Probate Paralegal.