Court of Protection Solicitor – Manchester

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Reeds Solicitors would like to open a new Court of Protection office in Manchester and therefore we are seeking a Court of Protection Solicitor to join the team.

This is an exciting opportunity to help build a new department and develop a team of your own with the added benefit of the background support of a larger team who have experience in this kind of business development.

With this in mind, we would like to hear from candidates who have prior management experience or a desire to develop those skills in due course and who will be excited to get involved in the marketing, promotion and development of our brand and services within this area.

Applicants should have a good knowledge of court of protection matters and have demonstrable experience in proceedings, good advocacy skills and experience with public funding.

Salary is negotiable based on experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

Meeting and interviewing clients to establish the firm’s suitability to provide the necessary advice and services, based on the firm’s specialism and funding options;
Taking client instructions;
Advising clients on the law and legal issues relating to their case;
Drafting applications, documents, letters and court orders tailored to the client’s individual needs;
Negotiating with clients and other professionals to secure agreed objectives;
Researching and analysing documents and case law to ensure the accuracy of advice and procedure;
Attending meetings and negotiations with opposing parties, keeping a detailed note of all discussions;
Acting on behalf of clients and representing them in court by way of in-house advocacy wherever possible;
Instructing barristers or specialist advocates to appear in court for the client in more complex cases;
Attending Court to cover hearings where Counsel is instructed and taking a detailed note of proceedings;
Preparing and updating Court bundles in line with evidence served;
Monitoring clients funding position to ensure works undertaken are either covered by a Legal Aid Certificate or private monies paid on account;
Working in a team, sometimes referring cases to the head of department;
Supervising and delegating work to trainee solicitors, paralegals and legal secretaries as appropriate;
Checking all documentation prior to signing and implementing;
Administrative duties, for example completing time sheets so that charges for work can be calculated, billing clients for work done on their behalf;
Taking referrals from other firms of solicitors when a conflict of interest arises, or if they have no specialist practitioner available;
Provide the highest level of client care and ensure file management in accordance with Lexcel standards;
Keeping up to date with changes and developments in the law by attending external training courses, reading journals and law reports;
Undertaking a range of continuing professional development (CPD) activities throughout their career;
Any other duties as directed by the Team Leader or a member of the Management Team.

Person Specification

Must hold a current Practicing Certificate.
Must be a Legal Aid Supervisor, either under the Mental Health or Community Care Contract.
Accredited Legal Representative (ALR) status would be desirable, or a willingness to work towards such accreditation.
Must be able to multi-task, think on your feet and prioritise demanding workloads given the sensitive and emotive nature of the works undertaken.
Must be an excellent communicator in both written and spoken English, with strong advocacy skills.
Must have a good understanding of client care requirements and a commitment to legal aid.
Be computer literate with experience of using Microsoft Office packages.
Must have excellent time management and organisation skills.
Must possess the ability to work within a high pressure, high workload environment, where a material change in circumstances may come about at the eleventh hour.
Be self-confident, proactive and able to develop good working relationships with third parties including Court and Hospital / Care Home staff, Counsel and Advocacy Agencies.

Why Reeds Solicitors?

We are a forward thinking, dynamic firm who put their clients and employees first. We are a fun and flexible firm with good opportunities for development and career progression, in fact we have been award-shortlisted for our flexible working and wellbeing policies. We expect a lot from our employees but in return we offer:

The ability to earn up to 30 days of holiday with years of service (standard holiday packages start at 25 days plus all bank holidays);
Additional paid celebration day to use as you would like (such as a birthday);
Ability to purchase a further 5 days of holiday each year;
Discretionary additional holiday days given at Christmas (up to a maximum of 2 days);
Flexible working schemes available to all employees;
Private medical health care with the option to add optical and dental care;
Discounted gym memberships;
Performance related bonus, 10% of any profit costs over 3x your annual salary;
A profit share will be available in due course as the office grows;
Fresh fruit baskets in each office on a weekly basis;
Cycle to work scheme, including e-bikes;
Unlimited access to online based training, structured regulatory checks and weekly ‘top tips’ to enhance and support remote working;
A culture of respect for colleagues and the best possible service for our clients;
Employee assistance programme with access to physical, mental and emotional health advice & webinars, wellbeing videos and programmes, online counselling & mini health checks.

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Reeds Solicitors

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Court of Protection Solicitor – Manchester