Job Description
Court of Protection Fee Earner (Solicitor or Legal Executive)Location: Manchester City Centre with Hybrid Working Available A specialist law firm is seeking an experienced Court of Protection (COP) fee earner to join its growing team. The role is suitable for a solicitor or legal executive with a minimum of two years' COP experience, though applications are welcomed from candidates with more experience up to Associate level.Role Overview The successful candidate will manage a caseload of Property and Affairs files, supported by Case Workers and trainee solicitors or paralegals. They will work under the supervision of one of the firm's three specialist COP Directors and assist senior team members with complex matters. Responsibilities include:
* Managing Property and Affairs files and providing expert advice to clients, families, and carers
* Preparing applications to the Court of Protection and attending hearings as required
* Handling contested COP matters, including preparing instructions to counsel and court bundles
* Advising families on LPAs, deputyship applications, and related welfare issues
* Investigating financial abuse and ensuring compliance with best practice
* Liaising with care providers, families, and case management teams
* Maintaining knowledge of care funding options, welfare benefits, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
The role can be undertaken on a hybrid basis, requiring at least two days per week in the office, with additional days during the initial settling in period. The ideal candidate will have:
* Qualification as a solicitor or legal executive in England and Wales
* A minimum of two years' Court of Protection experience, including professional deputyship work
* Experience managing high-value or complex cases and contested COP matters
* Strong client-facing skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively with families, carers, and other professionals
* Knowledge of welfare issues, care funding, LPAs, and relevant legal frameworks
* A professional, organised, and calm approach to sensitive matters
About the Firm The firm provides specialist support to clients in-house, including HR, Property, and Welfare Benefits matters. The Court of Protection team deals with a variety of high-value and complex cases, including clients who have lost capacity due to injury or illness and cases involving financial abuse or jurisdictional challenges.Salary and Benefits
* Competitive salary at Grade B/C COP rates, depending on experience
* 25 days holiday (27 at Associate level) plus 1.5 additional days at Christmas
* Private health cover after three months
* Subsidised gym membership
* Life insurance at three times salary
* Contributory pension scheme
This position offers a rare opportunity to join a specialist Court of Protection team with significant scope for development, high-value caseload exposure, and a supportive, professional environment.