Health & Welfare Solicitor

Our Court of Protection team are currently a 'Firm to Watch' in The Legal 500. We have a Court of Protection Panel Deputy who has been appointed for her expertise in managing the affairs of vulnerable people, Veronica Mullins is one of a small number of professionals appointed nationwide for their expertise in this area of law. We also have an Accredited Legal Representative, Jill McCurdy, who is qualified to represent the most vulnerable within health and welfare proceedings.

As Court of Protection Solicitors, we provide legal support and representation for individuals who lack mental capacity to make decisions about their finances, property, health, or welfare. We also provide advice to individuals acting on their behalf.

Due to an increase workload, we are looking to expand the team with an individual experienced in, and with a passion for, Court of Protection health and welfare law. You will manage your own caseload and will play a crucial role in further developing the team's established reputation and actively participate in business development.

Any level of fee-earning experience would be considered however, for the right senior person there is the potential to step up and manage the team.

Main Responsibilities of the Role

• Report directly to and collaborating with the Head of Department, Natalie Lang.
• Have experience of s.21A and s.16 matters.
• Professional proactive approach, strong client care skills and a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of clients' needs.
• Ability to manage appropriate caseload types and complexities.
• Attending clients, taking instructions, and preparing cases.
• Dealing with correspondence.
• Maintaining accurate time-costing procedures.
• Implementing any recommendations following monthly file reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly.
• Ensuring compliance with file management.
• Develop relationships with appropriate groups and organisations to provide an exceptional client experience and generate new cases.
• You will have a professional, pro-active approach, strong client care skills and be interested in Business Development and Marketing to supplement the substantial work volumes already in place.

Key Skills Required

• Have experience in dealing with health and welfare Court of Protection-related work.
• Experience in own advocacy is an advantage but not essential.
• Working knowledge of the publicly funded Court of Protection work and the ability to service privately funded cases.
• Good working knowledge of Mental Capacity Law and practice appropriate to PQE.
• Must have a clean, valid Practicing Certificate at the time of applying.
• Professional with a proactive approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with vulnerable client matters sensitively and resolve complicated practicalities.
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills.
• Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment.
• Proven ability to manage a 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.

Salary will be competitive and dependent on experience, and the firm offers a benefits package, as well as realistic opportunities for development and progression.