Lawyer & Team Leader Court of Protection

My client based in Ashton-Under-Lyne are committed to doing what is right and making a positive difference. A company that is very proud of their firm’s history, the roots of which can be traced back over 175 years in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Introduction to the role:

The Court of Protection team are dedicated to protecting the finances of society’s most vulnerable. You will be providing first rate legal services to clients according to their specific needs, ensuring full compliance with policies and procedures laid out by the group and by regulatory bodies. You will also always act as an ambassador for the group, actively promoting its services.

What do you need:

• To be a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (3+ years PQE)
• Excellent people management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Time management
• Trustworthiness
• Marketing and commercial awareness
• Ability to build long lasting relationships with Clients.

Key accountabilities:

• Provide first rate legal advice to clients.
• Charge the rate defined by the Management Board / Head of Department for services.
• To be an experienced Court of Protection practitioner with at least 3 years PQE and able to deal with a wide range of complex matters, particularly high value settlement matters and dealing with complex clients or legal matters.
• To be experienced in or have a desire to become proficient in expert witness work for the purposes of drafting expert witness statements for litigation/claimant solicitors for professional deputyship costs.
• Aspire to become a Director in the Trust Corporation Limited embracing the signing and best interests decision making responsibilities that come with such an exciting and fulfilling role (subject to meeting the policy requirements in that regard)
• Set an example by ensuring personal targets are met regularly as well as supporting the team to do the same.
• Ensure that the firm’s policies and procedures and those laid out by regulatory bodies such as the Law Society and CILEX are complied with fully at all times.
• Actively promote the firm and all its service to attract new business particularly by branding of self/business on social media.
• Nurture relationships with existing clients and referrers in order to maintain and develop work.
• Contribute towards the effective management of risk by carrying out regular risk assessments on all matters, efficient file management and by providing excellent client care.
• Actively participate in departmental meetings, suggesting improvements to our services where appropriate.
• Work with the Head of Department in the development and delivery of departmental strategy.
• To be active in the recruitment, induction and onboarding of the best people for our team.
• Ensure that all work undertaken is appropriate to workload and level of knowledge and experience, systematically informing the Head of Department or a principal of any concerns and referring work which can be carried out more effectively or efficiently by another fee earner.
• To supervise less experienced members of the firm and/or secretarial staff.
• Actively assist other members of the department where appropriate, notably in providing cover for holidays etc.
• Ensure that continuing competence training requirements are fulfilled.
• Endeavour to improve knowledge and skills where appropriate.
• Keep accurate and up to date records of time, money, bills etc.
• Avoid write offs as far as possible and to disclose them immediately if they are necessary.
• Disclose any claims and complaints or potential complaints promptly.

Supervision of others:

• To ensure the effective supervision of others in line with the departmental business plan.
• Being responsible for the completion and reporting of your team Roadmaps.
• Being proactive in the development in the development of the team, including supporting with case work enquiries, encouraging attendance at course and arranging / delivering training to your peers.
• Playing an active role in the performance management and measurement of people within the team.
• Ensuring your team is actively working towards and achieving chargeable and personal targets set.

What’s in it for you

• Comprehensive training and valuable expertise in handling complex cases that will stand your career in great stead for the future.
• 25 days holiday (excluding bank holidays)
• Long service additional annual leave award after 5 years of service.
• Unlimited referral bonus
• PayCare policy to cover some optical, dental and other professional therapies.
• Pension plan
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Death in Service
• Employee Assistance Program
• Hybrid working
• Unlimited access to training academy course
• Knowledge sharing, modern office environment

My client actively encourages those from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds to apply for this role, including people from minority ethnicity backgrounds, religious backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, people from different social backgrounds and of different ages.

If this role is of interest, then do please send your CV to Julie O’Leary and call to discuss further.