Court of Protection (Health & Welfare) Solicitor - Nationwide in London

Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd) is regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority and was founded in 1998, headquartered in the City of London with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all key practice areas. Our ethos is to give people a voice.

The Court of Protection determines matters concerning individuals who lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, including disputes about capacity and best interests across health and welfare, medical treatment, deprivation of liberty, and property and financial affairs.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors’ Court of Protection department is consistently ranked by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, recognised for its client-focused approach, technical excellence, and commitment to representing vulnerable individuals. The team has particular strength in deprivation of liberty, section 16 and section 21A matters, cross-jurisdictional matters, and complex, multi-party welfare disputes. The team frequently acts for children and young adults with additional needs in high-value personal injury and related Court of Protection proceedings.

Our health and welfare Court of Protection lawyers work closely with colleagues in various departments, ensuring holistic and joined-up representation. The team regularly acts on instructions from the Official Solicitor and supports clients, families, and professional advocates through sensitive and emotionally charged cases, always keeping the welfare of the individual at the heart of decision-making.

Main Responsibilities of the Role:

• Report directly to your supervisor or Department Director.
• Conduct all aspects of Court of Protection case work (health and welfare) across a variety of case types including general welfare and deprivation of liberty challenges.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to other team members where appropriate.
• Manage appropriate caseload types and complexities.
• Assist with delivery of appropriate training and development in the department.
• Ensure compliance with file management and maintain accurate time-costing procedures.
• Support business development and the marketing and growth of the firm and COP department.

Key Skills Required:

• 0 - 3 years’ post qualification experience (PQE) in handling a caseload of mental capacity welfare work.
• Mental Capacity (welfare) Accreditation would be desirable but not essential.
• Must have a clean, valid Practicing Certificate at the time of applying.
• Experience in own advocacy is an advantage.
• Working knowledge of publicly funded Court of Protection work and ability to service privately funded cases.
• Good working knowledge of Mental Capacity Law and practice appropriate to PQE.
• Professional with a proactive approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with vulnerable client matters sensitively.
• Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business.
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills.
• Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment.
• Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills.
• Manage your own caseload and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and organised case records.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and build strong client relationships.

What we offer:

• A fantastic supportive team.
• Excellent progression opportunities.
• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition.

The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.

Equal Opportunities:

Duncan Lewis is committed to equal opportunities and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, religion, belief, or marital status and embraces the diversity of its staff.