Paralegal - court of protection

Our Court of Protection Team was founded in June 2019 and has grown rapidly. There are now two professional Deputies who are partners in the firm and four other case workers. We are now looking to invest further in the team with the addition of an experienced COP paralegal (Grade C or Grade D) to help manage existing Deputyships, service our SLAs with Local Authorities, grow the team further and develop the caseload of the team. The COP team forms part of our wider national Private Wealth team. The team runs their caseload electronically and is unique in adopting a team approach to all their clients bridging the geographical gaps with ease. We are a collection of progressive lawyers who strive to give the best service possible to our clients and develop our team to be the best advisers they can be. The COP team is headed by an experienced Professional and Panel Deputy with a passion for developing her team. This is a team which is growing and is developing an enviable profile in the market. Travel is an essential part of the role and a full UK driving licence and own transport will be required.

Main Purpose of Role

You will be responsible for working on Court of Protection matters independently and with supervision from initial application through the course of the Deputyship. You will work closely with the Head of Team and other team members to grow the team and ensure excellent client service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage own caseload of Court of Protection matters with supervision including Deputyships, applications for lifetime gifting/IHT planning, applications for statutory wills and expert witness reports for deputyship costs in litigation matters
• Assist other case handlers in the team and wider department with their cases as may be required
• Travel to and attend upon clients, case workers and other third parties
• Prepare and file various correspondence, notes and documentation
• Assist with marketing the services of the team and wider department
• Achieve set financial and chargeable targets KPIs
• Ensure relevant deadlines and quality measures are adhered to
• Comply with relevant Weightmans client policies and procedures
• Work in accordance with Weightmans' values

You will have previous experience and a genuine and demonstrable interest in the above area of work.

Requirements

• Experienced Grade C or D caseworker or if no Court of Protection experience then strong paralegal experience in a high volume area of law or Private Wealth
• Keen interest and wide experience in all aspects of Court of Protection law
• Member of Association of Lifetime Lawyers would be advantageous
• Proactive flexible approach with a 'can-do' attitude
• Excellent IT skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent time management and organisation skills
• Ability to work to strict deadlines and targets
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative
• Full UK driving licence and own transport.