Solicitor

A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 100 law firm to achieve “Gold Standard” Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance and pomposity makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

The Birmingham Court of Protection team currently deals with all aspects of Court of Protection work with a focus on the management of the financial affairs of individuals who lack mental capacity to make decisions themselves. We also offer a full, professionally managed Deputyship service to our clients where required. Our ability to balance the emotive nature of this work, the needs of our clients and the specific requirements of the Court means that we are able to arrange swift and effective progress in even the most sensitive and complex of cases.

This is a challenging but rewarding area of work. It requires dedication from individuals with an aptitude for sensitivity, but who also have a firm approach when dealing with challenging and complex cases.

We are looking for a Solicitor or equivalent to join our specialist and dedicated team in Birmingham.  Taking responsibility for your own caseload, you will provide assistance to other lawyers in the team with the day to day administration of all aspect of Court of Protection work including applications for the appointments of Deputies, Statutory Will applications and the ongoing administration of the financial affairs of individuals who lack mental capacity.  

Our team has grown steadily over the last two years and we are now looking for an additional Solicitor to join our highly-regarded team. You will have the opportunity to have a high level of client contact both over the phone and in person and will join an ambitious and dedicated team.  

• Providing a comprehensive case progression service including helping to make applications to the Court of Protection and progressing these cases to completion.
• Assisting in the management of an individual’s property and financial affairs, including; liaising with a number of professionals such as members of the litigation team, case managers, therapists and financial advisors.
• Assisting with the preparation of accounts and annual deputyship reports.
• Ensuring that all work is properly marshalled and recorded on file
• Researching and preparing legal papers.
• Developing rapport with clients, Counsel and experts.
• Taking a full and active involvement with business development activities alongside others within the team locally and nationally

• The ideal candidate will have circa 2 years experience or CILEX equivalent dealing with Court of Protection work and cases.
• Some experience of wider private client/community care work would be beneficial.
• Excellent client care skills including a friendly and helpful approach to dealing with queries both from clients and internally.
• Some knowledge of Welfare matters/public law areas would be beneficial but is not essential.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with a methodical and organised approach to ensure tasks are effectively completed to deadline and urgent work is prioritised.
• The ability to adapt to change and new practices and remain calm in finding solutions under pressure.

Shoosmiths is a committed Equal Opportunities employer promoting equality of opportunity. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.