Solicitor

Shoosmiths LLP is a leading national law firm with 12 offices across the UK and a reputation for providing a wide variety of clients with Valued Legal Services.

Shoosmiths Private Client group offers the full range of personal legal services, 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 Court of Protection team 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 both a challenging and rewarding area of work, requiring dedication and an aptitude for sensitivity, but often a firm approach.

We are looking to recruit a newly qualified/1PQE solicitor or part/full qualified ILEX who will be based in our Birmingham office and focus on providing an exceptional service and experience for all existing and potential new clients. 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.  Some knowledge of Welfare matters would be beneficial but is not essential.

This role will require some travel across the majority of our national offices.

Your responsibilities will include, but not exclusively:

• Providing a comprehensive case progression service including helping to make and progress to completion applications to the Court of Protection.
• Assisting 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.
• Assisting with the preparation of accounts and annual deputyship reports.
• Ensuring that all work is properly marshalled and recorded on the file, its source documented with full explanations and clear notes of work done and advice given.
• Researching and preparing legal papers.
• Proactively advising and responding to clients and assisting others involved in case preparation by telephone and in person
• Managing correspondence quickly, courteously and efficiently.
• Developing rapport with clients, Counsel and experts thereby assisting in delivering excellent client service
• Taking a full and active involvement with business development activities alongside others within the team locally and nationally

Previous legal experience ideally within a Court of Protection or Private Client Team is essential together with the expected level of client care experience within a professional environment. Successful candidates will have an excellent telephone manner, strong client orientation and a professional approach.  You must demonstrate excellent organisational skills, an ability to work to deadlines and exceptional attention to detail.

• NQ – 1 PQE or part/full ILEX qualified.
• Experience within a Court of Protection or Private Client Team.
• Excellent client care skills including a friendly and helpful approach to dealing with queries both from clients and internally.
• Self-confidence, initiative and the ability to grasp things quickly and easily.
• Excellent communication skills with an enthusiastic and positive can do attitude.
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages and digital dictation is essential. Comprehensive training on our specific products, services and systems will be provided.
• 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.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• The ability to integrate within a team as well as working independently using initiative.

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.