Legal Assistant

Shoosmiths is recognised as one of the largest national law firms with a reputation for providing a wide variety of clients with Valued Legal Services.

Shoosmiths Private Client section offers a full range of personal legal services ranging from simple commoditised matters such as Will writing and conveyancing through to complex matters such as estate management, inheritance tax planning and complex medical negligence claims.

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. This is a challenging but rewarding area of work and requires dedication from individuals with an aptitude for sensitivity, but often firm approach often with challenging and complex individuals. There is a high level of client contact mostly by telephone but some face to face. 

We are looking to recruit a Legal Assistant who will be based in our Birmingham office but with some occasional travel across the majority of offices and locations. The successful candidate will focus on providing an exceptional experience for all potential new and existing clients. You will be responsible for assisting the team with the day to day administration of all aspect of Court of Protection work as well as providing PA/secretarial support to the Legal Advisors. 

This role requires proactive thinking to support the needs of the Legal Advisors and includes but is not limited to the following:-

• Assisting with case progression service including helping to make and progress to completion applications to the Court of Protection.
• Assist in the management of 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.
• Assist with the preparation of and reconciling accounts and annual deputyship reports.
• Assist with the preparation of bills of costs.
• Overseeing payments to clients and third party suppliers.
• Preparing files to be sent for costing.
• General file administration (opening, set up and closing).
• Managing paper and electronic filing systems.
• Be available to proactively advise as well as respond to clients and assist others involved in case preparation by telephone and in person.
• To manage correspondence quickly, courteously and efficiently.
• To develop rapport with clients and experts thereby assisting in delivering excellent client service. 

• Previous experience in a similar role ideally within a Court of Protection or Private Client Team
• Excellent and accurate keyboard skills required, as you will be required to obtain typing speeds to a minimum of 60 wpm. 
• Good working knowledge of various applications – word, outlook, excel essential (digital dictation helpful but not a necessity).
• Attention to detail and taking great care in respect of all correspondence and documentation
• Flexible with the ability to adapt to change, new practices and cope under pressure
• Excellent presentation skills reflected in their work
• A methodical and organised approach with keen attention paid to every detail
• Good organisational skills to ensure that the tasks are effectively scheduled within working time available, and that urgent work is completed and returned within the specified timescales.
• Ability to deliver a quality service to both internal and external clients.
• Successful candidates will have an excellent telephone manner, strong client orientation and professional approach. 
• Excellent client care skills.
• Self-confidence and ability to demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to grasp things quickly and easily.
• Enthusiastic with a positive, can do attitude.
• Friendly, calm and helpful approach to dealing with queries
• Excellent communication skills and telephone manner
• Good listening skills

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.