We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Court of Protection lawyer to join our team, with the opportunity of becoming our next Head of Court of Protection to lead and develop our established team. This position is suited to an experienced Solicitor / Lawyer with strong technical expertise, a strategic mindset, good business development skills and a passion for delivering outstanding client care.
As part of this role you will have the opportunity to be considered to become a Director or Partner of the firm, if suitable/desired; if not, a strong Court of Protection practitioner role is available.
This role is offered on a full‑time (part‑time also considered), permanent basis and will be based in our Norwich office.
We are a local, leading firm of expert solicitors with offices across Norfolk. Specialising in a wide range of legal services, we are committed to delivering excellent client care. We have a strong Court of Protection team and have been on the OPG Panel for 10 years, having recently been reappointed to the Panel for a further 10 years.
The Role
This is a senior leadership role with overall responsibility for the Court of Protection and Deputyship service across the firm. The role involves managing a busy and varied Court of Protection caseload, supporting clients who are unable to manage their own financial affairs, supervising and developing junior team members and taking the team forward.
You will work as part of a highly regarded, well‑established team and play an important role in supporting junior colleagues, while contributing to the continued success and growth of the department.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a caseload of Court of Protection matters, including:
- Deputyships (Property & Affairs)
- Applications to the Court of Protection
- Ongoing administration of client finances
- Mental capacity or safeguarding issues
- Statutory Wills
- Acting as the Court‑appointed Deputy (where appropriate/qualified), or day‑to‑day management of matters on behalf of the firm’s appointed Deputies
- Acting as a key point of contact for clients, families and third parties
- Travel to see clients in their home, care home, hospital or hospice
- Building and maintaining strong client and referrer relationships
- Assisting with supervision and mentoring of Caseworkers and junior team members
- Supporting business development initiatives and contributing to team growth
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Private Client team
About You
- A qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) with extensive, proven experience in Court of Protection work
- Strong knowledge of:
- Deputyships
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Experience running your own caseload
- Excellent communication and client care skills, particularly when working with vulnerable clients
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- A collaborative and proactive approach
- An interest in mentoring or supporting junior colleagues
- Experience in advising on statutory wills, gift applications and related trust matters
- Familiarity with complex, high‑value deputyship work, including matters arising from catastrophic injury settlements
- Confident in working collaboratively with case managers, care providers and financial advisers
- Understanding of property transactions for vulnerable clients, including adaptations and accessibility requirements
In return, we offer
- Supportive and inclusive working environment
- Health & Wellness Employee Assistance Programme
- Salary exchange scheme
- 35‑hour working week
- Office closure over the Christmas period
- Training and professional development opportunities
