Court of Protection - Legal Assistant

Warwick – £22,000 - £30,000

Warwick – £22,000 - £30,000
Court of Protection - Legal Assistant  

I’m delighted to be working with a top high street firm in Warwick, who has been a client of ours for many years and who are currently going through a fantastic period of growth an expansion. As a result, they are keen to add a Legal Assistant to their team in Warwick. Ideally, they would like to recruit a Legal Assistant with experience of working for partners and fee earners in a Court of Protection environment. Based in modern, well-equipped offices, close to local commuter links and with onsite parking, this role would suit an experienced Legal Assistant with experience in a Court of Protection department able to commute to Warwick. As a Legal Assistant you will be working within the Court of Protection Property and Finance team. The team manages the affairs and makes decisions on behalf of people who lack the capacity to do so for themselves.

Duties of a Legal Assistant in Court of Protection:

• Managing a vulnerable individual’s bank accounts and property / Settling a vulnerable individual’s liabilities / Managing a vulnerable individual’s utilities / Completing care funding reviews
• Manage new enquiries, taking initial details and gathering relevant information in order to allocate to appropriate fee earner
• Being a point of contact for existing clients, their family, support team or third parties involved in the matter
• Supporting the managing fee earner with, but not limited to: Care home visits / Managing properties / Managing utilities and household bills / Preparing for tax returns / Obtaining online quotes for products and services
• Processing client matter invoices generated internally and making arrangements
• Managing financial budgets and forecasts on behalf of a vulnerable person including, but not limited to making claims for welfare benefits and payment of liabilities
• Maintaining records for both electronic and paper files in order to ensure compliance with the Deputy Standards
• Preparation of all deputyship accounts for sign off by Senior Solicitor
• Keeping track of key dates and taking action
• Preparing files to go out to an external costs’ draftsperson
• Preparing routine correspondence
• Actioning incoming emails in a timely way and filing accordingly
• Providing assistance and legal support to the Court of Protection Property and Finance team in managing various tasks and administration on client matters

Person specification:

• Court of Protection experience either as a Legal Assistant or Legal Secretary looking to change their skills set
• Personal effectiveness and self-management
• Good communication, organisational and team skills
• Good attention to detail
• Good people skills, including ability to build a good rapport and be patient
• Flexible and dependable, able to take the initiative
• Able to remain calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines
• Able to quickly build confidence, respect, and trust with others
• Your empathy, quick thinking, attention to detail and accuracy are vital attributes
• The Court of Protection team are a growing team, and you will need to have a broad understanding of legal matters, transactions, client requests and the demands of your team often connected to vulnerable clients and sensitive or complex issues

In return for your expertise and commitment, my client offers an attractive remuneration package and the opportunity to work with a renowned Legal 500 firm in Warwick. If you think you have the expertise and key requirements for this Court of Protection Role, please apply within or send your CV to rio@douglas-scott.co.uk.