Court of Protection Advisor
Job title
Court of Protection Advisor
Career Stage
We are open to consider applications from a range of different experience levels including candidates with no previous Court of Protection experience but where there are relevant skills and an interest in this area of work.
Department
Private Client – Court of Protection
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
As a Court of Protection Advisor you will be working within the Court of Protection team which is part of the Private Client Department. The team manages the affairs and makes decisions on behalf of people who lack the capacity to do so for themselves. Tasks managed by the team include but are not limited to:
- Managing a vulnerable individual’s bank accounts and property
- Settling a vulnerable individual’s liabilities
- Managing a vulnerable individual’s utilities
- Purchasing items on behalf of a vulnerable individual
- Liaising with the family and friends of a vulnerable individual
- Liaising with social services and care givers of a vulnerable individual
- Undertaking asset searches
- Undertaking benefit reviews
- Completing tax returns
- Completing care funding reviews
- Completing the Office of the Public Guardian annual report
- Making applications to the Court of Protection
Your empathy, quick thinking, attention to detail and accuracy are vital attributes. The Court of Protection team are a growing team and you will need to have a broad understanding of legal matters, transactions, client requests and the demands of your team often connected to vulnerable clients and sensitive or complex issues.
Key responsibilities
In line with policies and procedures key responsibilities include:
Legal Skills
- Processing client matter invoices generated internally and making arrangements to settle the same once approved
- Being a first port of call for client enquiries and specifically sorting out orders for equipment which clients may request in relation with their specific needs
- Maintaining file records including all payments made, decisions made and Orders received from the Court
- Actioning incoming emails in a timely way and filing accordingly
- Preparing files to go out to an external costs draftsman to include ensuring that all file notes match the financial spreadsheets in order to ensure the maximum payment under the bill
- Maintaining an excellent understanding of cash on various client and deputyship accounts
- Maintaining comprehensive records of client income and expenditure for all deputyship clients
- Drafting and submitting Annual reports to Office of the Public Guardian
- Drafting Court applications and associated documentation for submission to the Court of Protection
- Putting together Court bundles for hearings in the Court of Protection
- Being able to confidently liaise with other parties in Court Proceedings
- Keeping track of key dates and taking action in relation to the same in respect of proceedings in the Court of Protection
- Providing assistance and legal support to the Head of the Court of Protection team in managing a caseload of applications to the Court of Protection
Person specification
- Personal effectiveness and self-management
- Good communication, organisational and team skills
- Good attention to detail
- Good people skills, including ability to build a good rapport and be patient
- 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
- Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Court of Protection Rules is desirable but other relevant experience will be considered.
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.
