Role: Court of Protection (Health & Welfare) Paralegal
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd):
Regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas – "a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients". A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos.
Court of Protection Department Background:
The Court of Protection determines matters concerning individuals, mainly adults, who lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, including in disputes about capacity and best interests across health and welfare, medical treatment, deprivation of liberty, and property and financial affairs.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors’ Court of Protection department is consistently ranked by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, and is recognised for its client-focused approach, technical excellence and commitment to representing vulnerable individuals. The directories describe the team as bringing both legal rigour and a strong human perspective to its work, with practitioners who "understand this area legally as well as from a human perspective".The department has particular strength in deprivation of liberty, section 16 and section 21A matters, cross-jurisdictional matters and complex, multi-party welfare disputes, often involving and significant public law issues. The team also frequently acts for children and young adults with additional needs in high-value personal injury and related Court of Protection proceedings.
Our health and welfare Court of Protection lawyers work closely with colleagues in Court of Protection (property and affairs), community care, clinical negligence, family, childcare and public law, ensuring holistic and joined-up representation. The team regularly acts on instructions from the Official Solicitor and supports clients, families and professional advocates through some of the most sensitive and emotionally charged cases, always keeping the welfare of the individual at the heart of decision-making.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
*Report directly to your supervisor or Department Director.
*Professional proactive approach, strong client care skills and a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of clients’ needs
*Assisting with case work on a variety of health and welfare Court of Protection matters including general welfare and deprivation of liberty challenges
*Attending clients, taking instructions and preparing cases
*Dealing with correspondence
*Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
*Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly file reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
*Ensuring compliance with file management
*Handling new enquiries
*Assisting with applications for public funding
*Assist where required with business development to generate new work.
Key Skills Required:
*Demonstrate passion and experience in a broad range of publicly funded Court of Protection matters
*A strong academic background with a Law degree
*Legal experience as a Court of Protection Paralegal/Advisor
*Clear understanding and application of Court of Protection
*Excellent communications skills to work effectively with all types of people
*Excellent written communication and drafting skills
*Excellent analytical and organisational skills and ability to use own initiative but know when to seek guidance
*Committed team player, self -motivated and professional
*Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills
*Business acumen and the ability to market the Company.
What we offer:
*A fantastic supportive team
*Excellent progression opportunities
*Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition
The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.
Equal Opportunities:
Duncan Lewis is committed to equal opportunities and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, religion, belief, or marital status and embraces the diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please talk to a member of the recruitment team so that any required adjustments can be made in advance.