Legal Assistant/Paralegal (Court of Protection - Leeds)

Fletchers Group

Aug 3

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Entry, Junior, Mid & Senior Level
Leeds

Requirements

Essential Skills and Experience:
Excellent customer care skills gained through working in a high stakes environment, particularly dealing with all clients and stakeholders in a professional, empathetic, and courteous manner.
Excellent teamwork skills - 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:
Experience in dealing with vulnerable or demanding clients.
A previous career in accounting/finance/banking/insurance/care or mental health.
Previous experience in Private Client and Court of Protection work.
A-levels or equivalent.

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 and monitor payments within 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 this 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.

FAQs

Do we support remote work?

Yes, we offer hybrid working arrangements which allow for remote work.

What is the main focus of this Legal Assistant/Paralegal role?

The main focus is to assist Private Client file handlers in managing the affairs of vulnerable individuals, providing Deputyship and Trustee services to clients with personal injury or clinical negligence claims.

What are the essential skills required for this position?

Essential skills include excellent customer care skills, teamwork skills, time management, organizational abilities, initiative, flexibility, and keen attention to detail.

Is previous experience in Private Client and Court of Protection work required?

While not mandatory, previous experience in Private Client and Court of Protection work is desirable.

What type of clients will I be interacting with?

You will be interacting with clients with brain injuries and their families, as well as other professionals involved in their care.

What benefits does Fletchers Solicitors offer?

Benefits include a 35-hour working week, a bonus scheme, 35 days of holiday, a pension scheme, life assurance, Medicash policy, company sick pay, and enhanced maternity/paternity schemes.

What is the culture like at Fletchers Solicitors?

Fletchers Solicitors fosters a nurturing culture designed to assist employees in achieving their aspirations, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Do you require specific educational qualifications for this role?

A-levels or equivalent education is desirable but not strictly required.

What is the working environment like?

The working environment is flexible and agile, promoting a positive work-life balance.

Are there opportunities for professional development in this role?

Yes, there are apprenticeship and training contract opportunities, as well as avenues for internal progression.

Fletchers Group

A group of specialist legal teams, specialising in medical negligence, serious injury, cycle and motorcycle accidents.

Law

Industry

501-1000

Employees

Mission & Purpose

We aspire to be the best place to work in the legal sector. Our mission is simple: Help rebuild the lives of people who have suffered serious, life changing injuries. Our goal is for them to have the very best possible life after injury. We do this, not only through the case work we undertake for injured clients, but also through supporting charities, causes and organisations that share the same mission. We are a fast- growing business, underpinned by exceptional financial security through our owners Sun European Partners- one of the largest and most successful investors in the world. We have grown substantially over the years to a firm employing just under 600 people, however one thing has remained constant – our determination to do the best for victims of accidents, serious injury and medical negligence. To us, the most important thing about personal injury law is the individual at the centre of it all and our team who support them. We offer multiple routes to both legal and non-legal qualifications, many of which are fully funded and gained while you work. We are also fearlessly protective of our culture which empowers our team to succeed.