Paralegal (Operations) in Nottingham

Duties and Responsibilities

(1) to conduct litigation on behalf of the Public Guardian in the Court of Protection, managing the whole litigation process. This involves reviewing cases from colleagues in Operations, Investigations and Supervision, and making a decision as to whether to issue applications covering the following: 1. Determination of the lawfulness of certain provisions of LPAs and the severance of unlawful parts; 2. Removal of attorneys appointed on the ground they are not acting in accordance with their MCA obligations; and 3. Removal of non‑compliant deputies. (2) to provide legal advice across the organisation on a wide range of matters including policy, investigations, complaints and where litigation is threatened/brought against OPG. The work is important, rewarding and challenging in ensuring timely action is taken to prevent abuse. Whilst being based across several different offices, the team works well together as a community, team members are well-supported and there is progression at all levels. For paralegals, there are potential opportunities for support with applications to qualify as lawyers. We are committed to becoming a Government leader in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance legal operations and service delivery.

• Lead and manage teams to deliver work within agreed service standards and business plan objectives.
• Manage staff performance, wellbeing, attendance, development and workflow across a range of legal casework.
• Identify training needs and deliver coaching, mentoring and development support to staff.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of legal processes, policies, guidance and case management systems.
• Undertake complex case management activities, including drafting, reviewing and issuing legal documents, court forms and correspondence.
• Interpret court orders, identify appropriate next steps and escape complex legal matters where necessary.
• Work collaboratively with lawyers, Counsel and stakeholders to progress litigation and other legal matters.
• Oversee litigation diaries, court deadlines and hearing preparation, including instructing and booking Counsel.
• Provide guidance and support on complex casework, complaints and operational issues.
• Monitor and manage team inboxes, caseloads and workflow to ensure work is accurately recorded, allocated and progressed.
• Analyse performance information, quality assurance activity, management information and conduct regular touchpoints to monitor delivery, identify risks and trends, support staff development, maintain standards and provide clear updates or recommendations to senior managers.
• Maintain and improve operational guidance, templates, process notes and training materials to support consistent legal operations practice.
• Identify, assess and elevate operational risks, incidents and service pressures, supporting business continuity and clear communication across the team.
• Model inclusive leadership behaviours, support staff engagement activity and contribute to a positive, respectful and high‑performing team culture.
• Build effective working relationships across OPG, the Court of Protection and wider MoJ to improve service delivery and respond to changing priorities.
• Lead and contribute to projects, change initiatives and staff engagement activities.
• Support and contribute to the delivery of corporate objectives, governance requirements and strategic priorities.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, procedures and governance requirements.
• Comply with health and safety responsibilities and undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and role.

Working Arrangements

The successful candidate will be expected to work from their base location on a weekly basis in line with current Civil Service requirements, outside of any reasonable adjustments. Occasional travel to other offices is required.

Hybrid Working Arrangements

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity. Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) - See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended). Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform.

Working Hours

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

About OPG

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) protects people in England and Wales who may not have the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, such as about their health and finance. We are an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), set up in 2007 following the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act of 2005. OPG is responsible for registering lasting powers of attorney (LPA) and enduring powers of attorney (EPA) and supervising deputies who are appointed by the Court of Protection. OPG is a fantastic place to work offering a range of development opportunities. OPG is a disability confident employer and is committed to developing a supportive and inclusive environment that reflects the diverse community we serve. OPG is currently delivering an ambitious transformation programme. This will change the way we provide services and help us meet the growing needs of our users, partners and our stakeholders. It will make sure our users experience a better level of support and will help us to respond to the changing needs of society. Transformation will ensure we can better support adults at risk and create high‑quality services that are accessible and affordable.

Team

The team – comprising 70 to 80 staff members – is multidisciplinary in nature and aims to provide a high quality and efficient specialist legal service for OPG. We have Senior Lawyers, Lawyers, Senior Paralegals and Paralegals, a Legal Support team as well as an excellent team of legal operations specialists.

Essential Skills

• Experience of leading, managing and developing staff. (lead criteria)
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyse information, exercise sound judgement and resolve problems effectively.
• Experience of managing operational workloads, caseloads or projects within a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience of delivering change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint.

Desirable Skills

• Experience of working within a legal, regulatory, court or government environment.
• Knowledge of Court of Protection or wider court procedures.
• Experience of managing complex casework, complaints or escalated operational issues.
• Experience of analysing performance data, quality assurance activity or management information to monitor delivery, identify risks, improve team performance and prepare clear reports for senior stakeholders.
• A legal qualification or relevant legal studies, including but not limited to a law degree, Graduate Diploma in Law, CILEX, LPC or BPC.

Benefits

• Annual Leave Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years' service. There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part‑time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro‑rated basis.
• Pension The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
• Training The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
• Networks The opportunity to join employee‑run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

• A range of 'Family Friendly' policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order.

• To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

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