Court of Protection Solicitor

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 & individuals. There are 5 offices in Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham, London and Devon.

Reporting Line
This role reports to the Legal Director in the Bristol office

Job Purpose
To work as a qualified professional with a team of specialists in the Court of Protection department who are primarily based in Bristol.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

To work alongside senior members of the Department with substantial case files and to provide litigation support, which may include contentious Deputyship work.
To demonstrate an awareness of clients' needs and perceptions to the discharge of your work for them and to act promptly, pro-actively and efficiently in relation to all client matters.
Areas of work will include the management of Property and Affairs, Deputyships, working with brain injured and vulnerable clients, Trust management, assisting with tax affairs and accounts, drafting Personal Injury, Trusts, Statutory Wills, Welfare Deputyship applications and other associated applications to the Court of Protection.
To have day-to-day contact with clients and act on their individual lifestyle requirements, including making payments and keeping accurate records, and being available to attend clients' locations when required.
Delegate and supervise tasks where appropriate to paralegals and trainees.
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 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 an 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.

Location

Davies and Partners Solicitors, Aztec West Bristol or Gloucester

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

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:
Legally qualified as a Solicitor and registered with the SRA, or FCILEx qualified Legal Executive within Court of Protection and Clinical Negligence, with between 3-5 years PQE (Grade B).
Skills/Knowledge:
Appropriate experience of 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 also have experience in the following roles: Deputy Solicitor, Mental Capacity Solicitor, Deputyship Lawyer, Court of Protection Lawyer, Trust and Estate Solicitor, Vulnerable Client Solicitor, Property and Affairs Solicitor, Welfare Law Solicitor, Clinical Negligence Solicitor, Personal Injury Trust Solicitor, etc.

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