Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive in Plymouth

The Court of Protection has appointed Samantha Buckthought as Property and Affairs Deputy for a large number of clients. Our team supports these clients to manage their financial affairs. The main purpose of the role is to provide specialist legal advice and representation in matters relating to the Court of Protection, including property and financial affairs, deputyship applications, and best interest decisions. The role involves advising clients on Mental Capacity Act 2005 matters, managing deputyship cases, and ensuring vulnerable individuals receive appropriate legal support and protection, aligned with the firm’s vision of delivering an exceptional legal experience.

Establishing a relationship of trust and respect with clients, families, support networks and experts. This role would suit individuals with experience managing a legal caseload in areas such as Court of Protection, Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, or similar private client work, who are qualified Solicitors or Chartered Legal Executives. It would also be appropriate for a capable case handler without formal legal qualifications who has at least five years’ experience in Court of Protection work.

What will you do?

• Manage a caseload of Court of Protection matters, including court applications and financial affairs management.
• Represent clients in Court of Protection proceedings.
• Provide advice to individuals, families, local authorities, charities, and professional deputies regarding mental capacity and best interest decisions.
• Liaise with barristers, medical experts, social workers, and financial professionals to support client cases.
• Advise as a professional deputy where required, overseeing clients’ financial affairs, property, and welfare decisions.
• Assist lay deputies in managing the affairs of individuals lacking capacity, ensuring compliance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) regulations.
• Prepare and submit applications and ongoing reports to the OPG.
• Draft legal documents, applications, and witness statements for Court proceedings.
• Manage your own workload, prioritising and delegating tasks.
• Maintain compliant and accurate electronic files.

You will be based at our offices on North Hill with the ability to work from home part of the week subject to training and business needs.

What do you offer?

You are committed to delivering an exceptional client experience, consistently demonstrating the firm's values and a passion for excellence in legal service.

Skills & Attributes

• Outstanding communication and client care skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport at all levels.
• Strong time management and prioritisation abilities, ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining high-quality work.
• Exceptional attention to detail, applying a meticulous approach to case management and legal analysis.

You are able to:

• Handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Thrive under pressure, managing competing priorities effectively while maintaining a high standard of work.

Professional & Technical Expertise

You are:

• Either Qualified Solicitor with typically 2+ years PQE or Qualified by experience working in a similar role with 5+ years’ experience.
• Demonstrating the expected competencies for your level across Client, People, Technical, and Commercial Awareness, as outlined in the firm’s Pyramids of Skills and Behaviours.
• Proactive in your professional development, working towards competencies at the next level and continuously seeking growth opportunities.

Mindset & Approach

• Take ownership of your work, contributing to the firm’s success and driving positive outcomes.
• Are adaptable and embrace change, demonstrating a solutions-focused mindset.
• Commit to ongoing learning and development, attending courses, webinars, and industry events to stay at the forefront of legal practice.

Hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Closing Date We are keen to talk to suitable candidates at the earliest possible opportunity and will close the vacancy to new applications once conversations reach an advanced stage. To avoid a delay, we would therefore encourage candidates who are interested in this vacancy to apply without delay.