Court of Protection Lawyer – Kingswood
We are looking for a full-time or part-time lawyer to join our Court of Protection team in Kingswood.
The Court of Protection (CoP) team deals with mental capacity law and covers the whole range of work dealt with by the court, including applications for Deputyship; administration of professional Deputyships; statutory Wills and gifting; property and affairs deputyship advice; and advice and representation of Deputies and Attorneys subject to investigations / court applications.
It also includes advice and representation on welfare cases in the Court of Protection, including Deprivation of Liberty; residence, care and medical treatment decisions; Lasting Powers of Attorney, and legal advice under the department’s Legal Aid contract.
The role
You will have your own caseload and your key duties will include:
- Advising clients on a range of issues dealt with in the Court of Protection;
- Dealing with disputes concerning LPAs and Deputyships;
- Assisting with deputy administration and be able to act as a professional deputy or be able to progress to this.
Administrative:
- Using our PMS and digital dictation to manage matters and client data
- Liaising with clients, other solicitors, the Legal Aid Agency, the courts and others.
- Organising meetings and conferences with Counsel and clients.
- Sending reminders to clients regarding appointments or court hearings.
- Obtaining availability of Counsel and experts involved in cases and booking them in.
- Preparing indices and chronologies.
- Updating file/SOS Connect with notes
Chargeable work:
- Meeting with clients to advise, complete forms or obtain further information and instructions.
- Chasing up outstanding information on cases.
- Holding and managing a caseload of CoP matters with supervision (as required).
- Preparing statements of evidence and position statements for clients.
- Preparing instructions for Counsel.
- Meeting chargeable time and billing targets.
- Attendance at round table meetings and CoP hearings.
Accounts procedures:
- Preparing Private Client bills.
- Assisting in the preparation of claims for costs to the Legal Aid Agency.
- Chasing LAA for outstanding payments, claims and certificates etc.
- Sending copies of public funding certificates received to Counsel (if used) and at all times ensuring that Accounts are aware that a matter is a publicly funded matter.
About us
Barcan+Kirby is well known in the Bristol legal market both as a provider of excellent legal services for individuals and businesses, and as a progressive employer.
We are committed to developing and nurturing our people, and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health is central to our culture. When we say we offer a work/life balance, we mean it.
We work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and friendliness, and welcome applications from individuals who fit with our values.
We like to think that we do things a bit differently from other law firms.
The ideal candidate
Our ideal candidate will:
- Be a member of the Law Society Mental Capacity Panel or working toward this.
- Be a qualified solicitor; or hold a CILEx qualified Professional Qualification (CPQ or equivalent).
- Have experience of Court of Protection work.
- Have experience undertaking chargeable work and managing your own caseload.
- Have knowledge of CoP and SCCO billing procedures required.
Computer literacy is essential for this role.
Location and working hours
- Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday). Part-time will be considered.
- The role is based at our Kingswood office but with the option to apply for hybrid working upon successful completion of probation.
How to apply
Ready to apply for this role? Send us your CV and cover letter using the form below. Got a question? Email our recruitment team.