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.