Court of Protection Paralegal
3 days ago
London
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd.): \n Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm across our key practice areas, described as "a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients." \n A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals across more than 25 areas of law and in over 60 languages. We give people a voice, that is our ethos. \n Recognised among The Times Best Law Firms, we have been awarded Law Firm of the Year at both the 2024 LexisNexis Awards and the 2023 Modern Law Awards, reflecting our commitment to excellence in legal services and client care. We also hold Investors in People Gold Accreditation, together with Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001 certifications. \n Court of Protection Department: \n Our Court of Protection team provides specialist legal advice and representation to vulnerable individuals who lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves. We act on behalf of clients, family members, deputies, trustees, local authorities, and other professionals in a wide range of Court of Protection matters, delivering practical and compassionate support to protect our clients' best interests. \n The department handles a broad range of Court of Protection matters, including: \n\n • Deputyship applications for property and financial affairs\n, • Health and welfare applications\n, • Statutory will applications\n, • Gift applications and estate planning matters\n, • Appointment, removal and discharge of deputies\n, • Contested Court of Protection proceedings\n, • Mental Capacity Act and best interests decisions\n, • Ongoing deputyship administration and management\n\n We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Court of Protection Paralegal to join our growing team and assist our experienced solicitors with a varied and rewarding caseload. \n Duties and responsibilities \n\n • Report directly to the Department Director.\n, • Assist solicitors and fee earners with Court of Protection matters from inception to conclusion.\n, • Prepare and draft Court applications, witness statements, correspondence, and supporting documents under supervision.\n, • Liaise with clients, family members, deputies, the Office of the Public Guardian, healthcare professionals, and other third parties.\n, • Review medical records, mental capacity assessments, financial information, and other relevant evidence.\n, • Conduct legal research and assist with the preparation of court bundles and hearing documentation.\n, • Maintain accurate file records and ensure compliance with court deadlines, regulatory requirements, and internal procedures.\n, • Record time accurately and support the team in achieving departmental objectives.\n, • Deliver excellent client care with professionalism, empathy, and sensitivity.\n, • Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly file reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly\n\n Experience and qualifications \n Essential: \n\n • Previous experience as a Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Caseworker or similar role within a Court of Protection, Private Client, Community Care, Personal Injury, or Litigation department.\n, • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.\n, • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.\n, • Strong attention to detail and analytical ability.\n, • Professional and proactive approach to work.\n, • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.\n, • Excellent client care skills and experience working with vulnerable clients and their families.\n, • Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and case management systems.\n\n Desirable: \n\n • A strong academic background with a Law Degree or equivalent legal qualification.\n, • Previous experience working within a Court of Protection department.\n, • Knowledge of the Court of Protection Rules, and Office of the Public Guardian procedures.\n\n Benefits \n Working at Duncan Lewis Solicitors offers a comprehensive rewards and benefits package designed to support your career progression, wellbeing and work-life balance, including: \n\n • Competitive salary with clear salary review procedures\n, • Company pension scheme\n, • 22 days annual leave, increasing with length of service\n, • Additional birthday leave*\n, • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, including compressed hours where appropriate\n, • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and mental wellbeing support\n, • Employee referral scheme\n, • Paid DBS checks and eyesight test vouchers\n, • Access to extensive e-learning resources and training webinars\n, • Professional fee support, including practising certificate renewals and selected accreditation costs*\n, • Career progression opportunities, including advancement to Supervisor and Director positions\n, • Medical Cash Plan enrolment*\n, • Support for professional development, industry recognition and award nominations\n\n *Subject to terms and conditions. \n Company culture \n At Duncan Lewis Solicitors, we are committed to attracting and developing talented individuals who share our dedication to excellence and client service. We value diversity, inclusion and professional development, creating an environment where employees can thrive and achieve their career aspirations. \n We are proud of our diverse workforce and strive to ensure that our teams reflect the communities we serve. \n The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks, including DBS checks, may be undertaken to establish eligibility to work in the UK and suitability for the role. \n Equal Opportunities: \n Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity across all levels of the organisation. We guarantee an interview for candidates who disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the role. Please provide further details in your covering letter if this applies.