Paralegal - Court of Protection - #1796218

Role: Paralegal - Court of Protection

Fletchers Solicitors | Hybrid Working | Excellent Benefits & Inclusive Culture

Location- We are predominantly based in the North West of England, with offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bolton & Southport. We believe we offer our colleagues the best hybrid and flexible working practices, balancing working from home with time collaborating and socialising with colleagues in our modern offices.

Join our dynamic Court of Protection team at Fletchers Solicitors, where we are proud to provide expert legal support to some of the most vulnerable individuals in society. We're currently looking for a passionate and organised Paralegal to assist in managing the affairs of clients who lack mental capacity, many of whom are navigating life after significant personal injury or clinical negligence.

As a Paralegal in our team, you’ll play a key role in delivering high standards of client care while supporting the administration of Deputyships and Trusts. You will help ensure that substantial compensation awards are managed prudently and in the best interest of our clients. Experience working with clients with brain injuries and an empathetic, client-focused approach are essential for this role.

We offer flexible hybrid working, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive, inclusive culture where professional development is encouraged and recognised.

If you’re ready to make a real difference in people’s lives while building your legal career in a leading national firm, we’d love to hear from you.

In Return Fletchers Can Offer

• 35 hours working week
• Bonus scheme (subject to targets being met)
• 35 days holiday a year including bank holidays and Christmas Closure, you also have an option to purchase up to 3 extra days’ holiday per year, until you long service award the 3 days after your 5th, 7th, and 9th full year of employment
• Pension scheme with tax-efficient salary sacrifice option
• Life Assurance Policy
• Medicash policy to cover some dental, optical and other medical expenses
• Company sick pay
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and IVF schemes
• Flexible, agile working environment with a positive work-life balance
• Varied calendar of funded company social events (check out Fletchers Group on LinkedIn)
• Monthly voucher awards for winning nominees
  
  

Main Responsibilities

• Work closely with a file handler to manage a caseload of Deputyship and Trustee matters, both before and after the settlement of the PI claim.
• Be the day-to-day point of contact for clients with brain injuries and their families, carers and other professionals, escalating issues to the file handler if required. This contact is by phone, email, and letter.
• Prepare best interest decisions for the Directors for approval around big decisions eg house purchase, cars, investments etc.
• Complete and maintain comprehensive schedule of assets, income and expenditure and reviewing the sustainability of finances on all matters. If required, prepare documents for funds for investments and withdrawals.
• Arrange payments and monitor against the agreed budgets. Check invoices against budgets and for compliance with terms and conditions, and ensure legal bills are settled swiftly.
• Financial reconciliation of all accounts, including the preparation of annual OPG reports including fee estimate.
• Organise and prepare meeting pack for annual review meeting (up to date SAIE, memo on present issues, agenda), complete the follow up actions from meeting.
• Obtain quotes for, arrange and renew insurances.
• Communicate spending information to litigators and liaise about interim payments.
• Apply for relevant benefits.
• Draft simple wills.
• Liaise with support workers, family and case managers on payroll issues and authorise payment of wages, NI contributions and pension contributions.
• Open files and completing screens on Proclaim, including ensuring key dates are recorded and important documents are on file. Carrying these forward from previous matters where appropriate. Circulate deputy order to all assets holders when it is first received.
• Maintenance and administration of the Private Client Department precedent documents.
  
  

Essential Skills And Experience

• Excellent customer care skills – dealing with all clients and stakeholders in a professional, empathetic, and courteous manner.
• Excellent teamwork sills - Working productively with colleagues in a professional, efficient and courteous way.
• Excellent time management – i.e. the ability to complete given tasks within an acceptable timescale, to work within any reasonably given deadlines and to time record.
• The ability to work in an organised way, prioritising work appropriately.
• The ability to apply initiative and forward thinking.
• Flexible approach & keen attention to detail.
  
  

Desirable Skills And Experience

• Working knowledge of the documents/procedures associated with Court of Protection/Private Client work.
• Using Proclaim as a file management system.
• Previous experience in Private Client and Court of Protection work.
• A-levels or equivalent.
  
  

We reserve the right to close this role before the date specified depending on the calibre and volume of candidates.

About Fletchers Solicitors

Fletchers is a growing law firm specialising in personal injury and clinical negligence law, with excellent rankings with both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Following several acquisitions, we have transformed into the Fletchers Group, with ambitious plans for further expansion. Situated in the North-West of the UK, our offices are located in Manchester, Liverpool, Southport, Leeds, Bolton, and Cambridge. Many of our colleagues enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work arrangements. We offer a great work-life balance, attractive benefits, apprenticeship or training contract opportunities, and avenues for internal progression. Currently, approximately 10% of our colleagues participate in apprenticeships or training contracts, marking a milestone for us as we continue to improve our Learning & Development programs. Our culture is nurturing, designed to assist you in achieving your aspirations. Additionally, we have our Associate and Partner programs for senior lawyers and established the Fletchers Foundation to support those who have suffered injuries.

Fletchers Group is an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce, which is why we welcome applications from all diversity groups and backgrounds. We’re committed to providing a culture and environment where everyone can thrive. Fletchers understand and celebrating that no colleague is the same. We’re proud of our work on the Disability Confident scheme, and we are signing up to other diversity standards to reflect our ethos.