Court of Protection (Welfare) Solicitor

We have an exciting opportunity for a Court of Protection (Welfare) solicitor to join our growing team.

Role Overview

We are looking for someone with at least one year of post qualification experience who can represent our clients across a range of Court of Protection (Welfare) work.

You will be working with colleagues in the Social Welfare Department who specialise in community care, housing and public law and who are recommended in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. We are proud that we are able to provide a holistic service to clients. There will be opportunities for you to work on community care, public law and housing cases, but your primary role will be to conduct Court of Protection cases.

You will need to share our passion for access to justice and have good knowledge of the legal aid scheme. Experience of privately funded work would be welcome.

We have good referral sources from local charities and NGOs who work with us to achieve the best outcome for our clients. We are often instructed by the Official Solicitor. Currently we are unable to meet demand for our Court of Protection work and you will be given the opportunity to grow and develop this area.

We are open to the successful candidate working from our Whitechapel or Clapham Junction offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Carrying out all allotted casework, promptly and efficiently.
• Analysing legal matters and advising clients of the appropriate course of action.
• Communicating clearly and regularly with clients and complying with 'client care' requirements.
• Dealing with all routine correspondence, negotiations and advocacy, where appropriate.
• Ensuring that time spent on all casework is promptly recorded and on conclusion of cases that they are billed and payment is recorded promptly.
• To ensure, where any part of the work within the department is funded by the Legal Aid Agency that requirements are met.
• Keeping up to date with general legal developments, particularly relating to own specialist field(s).
• Undertaking appropriate administrative tasks in accordance with the Office Manual to help to ensure smooth functioning of department and efficient casework and billing.
• Providing supervision where appropriate and/or reporting to supervisors when supervision required.

Skills/Knowledge Requirements

• At least one year of post qualification experience of working on a full range of Court of Protection (welfare) law (including acting for "P" via a litigation friend or family members in Court of Protection proceedings in relation to P's welfare).
• Ability to communicate effectively with the firm's client group.
• Excellent oral and telephone skills.
• Ability to prioritise and work efficiently under pressure.
• Excellent written communications skills.
• Problem solving ability.
• Experience of working to targets.
• Commitment to our client group in connection with maintaining access to justice.
• Current Practising Certificate.
• Experience of Legal Aid funding and using CCMS.
• Experience of privately funded work.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

TV Edwards Solicitors LLP is an equal opportunities employer, committed to increasing diversity in our firm and our wider profession.

Salary

Salary - Competitive

Anticipated start date - ASAP

Benefits

• 25 days holiday, increasing to 28 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years
• Birthday day off
• Bonus Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health Cashback Plan
• Length of service awards

In Addition

• 20% family and friends discount on legal services

Working Hours

Full time - 35 hours per week: 9:30am 5:30pm Monday Friday (alternative working arrangements including part time hours will be considered).