Court of Protection Lawyer (5yr+ PQE) – Renaissance Legal in Brighton

Location: Full or Part time, based in Brighton office – some hybrid working possible.

Description:

A senior opportunity for an ambitious Court of Protection specialist to shape and develop this key service area within a renowned specialist Private Client firm. As an experienced Private Client Lawyer, you will play a central role in developing our Court of Protection offering, bringing both professional ambition and a sensitive, client‑centered approach. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take responsibility for an established portfolio of matters while contributing to the future direction of the firm’s Court of Protection work. You will manage complex and sensitive cases involving mental capacity, best‑interests decision‑making and the protection of vulnerable individuals, applying specialist technical expertise, sound judgement and autonomy. This role will suit someone who delivers exceptional, empathetic legal advice and is motivated to develop a practice area that enhances the services we provide to the vulnerable and disabled community.

Renaissance Legal is an innovative, purpose-driven firm with a genuine commitment to improving clients’ lives. We are proud of the recognition we receive from clients and the wider profession, and this role offers a meaningful opportunity to strengthen relationships, build trusted referral networks and support the thoughtful, sustainable development of this important service line.

Main responsibilities include:

• Managing and developing a varied caseload of Court of Protection and decision-making matters.
• Providing accurate, timely, and sensitive legal advice to clients throughout the full lifecycle of each matter.
• Working collaboratively with a skilled team of legal advisors and support staff to deliver a high-quality, seamless service.
• Ensuring compliance with the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules and the professional conduct regulations relevant to solicitors and chartered legal executives.
• Meeting continuing professional development (CPD) and training requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• Driving the growth of the Court of Protection offering and the wider firm through business development activities.

Other responsibilities and duties:

• Effectively organising and managing your own caseload, supervising support staff.
• Maintaining exceptional standards of client care across all communication channels.
• Confidently self-generating correspondence and legal documents.
• Making full and effective use of the firm’s case management system (Clio Manage).
• Maintaining methodical, compliant, and efficient file management practices.
• Meeting agreed billing and time recording targets.
• Taking responsibility for credit control and the financial oversight of your matters.

SPECIALIST LEGAL EXPERTISE

The ideal candidate will demonstrate detailed understanding of and practical experience in:

• Court of Protection.
• Managing a case load of complex Property and Affairs and/or Health and Welfare matters.
• Acting in deputyship matters including financial management, statutory wills and gift applications.
• Working with counsel where appropriate.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to vulnerable clients and families.
• Building strong relationships with referrers, case managers, social workers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Developing, supervising and growing a team.
• Providing clear, compassionate and robust advice on capacity, safeguarding and risk.
• Marketing and growing the Court of Protection work.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years PQE.
• STEP qualified (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards STEP accreditation.
• Technical expertise and experience across a range of Court of Protection matters.

SKILLS AND OUTLOOK

With a steady stream of new clients to support, this role will be demanding and requires a flexible, hands-on approach and a positive team-focused attitude. Other required characteristics include:

• Strong understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated case law.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex or sensitive cases with minimal supervision.
• Excellent drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Commercially minded and proactive in developing the department.
• Committed to ongoing professional development.
• Calm, compassionate, and empathetic, especially when supporting vulnerable or distressed clients.
• Professional, well-presented, and approachable.
• Collaborative and team-oriented.
• Highly organised and efficient, with strong time management and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, with strong general IT literacy.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proactive in problem-solving and identifying practical solutions.
• Demonstrate sound judgement in knowing when to escalate issues.
• Flexible and adaptable, willing to take on additional duties or training relevant to the role.

For a full job description, contact the Practice Manager, Laura Hull at: laurah@renaissancelegal.co.uk.

Renaissance Legal reserves the right to alter or amend the duties set out in this Job Description in accordance with the needs of the business and after consultation with the postholder. Renaissance Legal is an equal opportunities employer.