Court of Protection Associate

Job title
Court of Protection Associate
Department
Private Client – Court of Protection team
About Higgs
Our vision is to be the independent regional law firm of choice, recognised for having a positive long-term impact upon its people, its clients, its business partners and its community.
When it comes to our people, the team is everything at Higgs – an environment of sharing and collaboration, and a real sense of loyalty to each other and the firm. That is coupled with a desire for everyone to learn and develop. We are always striving to be better. We enjoy what we do. We are genuinely interested in our clients and want them to feel a part of the firm too.
Our approach to our people draws on enjoyment, health & wellbeing, developing talent, technical excellence, training, reward and recognition.
When recruiting, we:
Value enthusiasm and personality
Want to be an employer of choice for talented, driven and client-focused people
Are always looking for the very best to strengthen our team and bring new skills and ideas
Integrate new people to realise their potential
With over two hundred employees and Members we offer a flexible and unique environment for people to grow their careers. Together we grow.
Role purpose
To join the Private Client department as an associate solicitor in the Court of Protection team.
Key responsibilities
In line with policies and procedures key responsibilities include:
Legal skills
Taking deputyship instructions both alone and alongside more senior colleagues (for more complex matters)
Taking responsibility, with appropriate supervision, for the preparation of deputyship applications and meeting clients to take instructions for this
Managing a small caseload of property and financial affairs deputyship matters, on behalf of the Deputy, ensuring that all work is done in accordance with the OPG Deputyship Standards and SRA Rules
Supporting initial enquiries in relation to deputyship applications and administration and working to convert these into active instructions
Supporting senior members of the Court of Protection team with the drafting of more complex applications to the Court of Protection
Supporting Legal Assistants with bill of costs for deputyship matters
The ability to support and grow client relationships and to liaise with third party introducers of work
Experience of Mental Capacity work
Person specification
Personal effectiveness and self-management
Good communication, organisational and team skills
Good attention to detail
Good listening skills
Flexible and dependable, able to take the initiative
Able to remain calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines
Conscientious, approachable and enthusiastic
Able to quickly build confidence, respect and trust with others
Technical knowledge
A good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
Working towards or a willingness to start the SFE qualification
Other information
The firm offers hybrid working wherever possible. Our Higgs’ Best FIT (flexible, inclusive, together) principles are designed to ensure that people are able to complete their best work from the most appropriate location.
We also encourage a ‘dress for your diary’ approach.
Equal opportunities
As charter signatories to The Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter, Higgs LLP are committed to developing a diverse business by engaging with the widest pool of talent and promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. Our mission is to ensure that everyone is empowered to be the best version of themselves and to have a voice which can be shared, heard and respected.