Court of Protection Partner

We are looking for a full-time lawyer to head up our Court of Protection team at Partner level. This is a rare and incredibly exciting opportunity for someone who wants to have strategic input to the firm whilst managing a varied caseload of Court of Protection matters.

You will join our team in Kingswood, which comprises a Partner, Solicitor and Solicitor Apprentice. We are looking for someone with extensive experience in Court of Protection work and who is a professional Deputy.

Our Court of Protection (CoP) team deals with mental capacity law and covers the whole range of work dealt with by the court, including applications for Deputyship; administration of professional Deputyships; statutory Wills and gifting; property and affairs deputyship advice; and advice and representation of Deputies and Attorneys subject to investigations/court applications.

The team also provides advice and representation on welfare cases in the Court of Protection, including Deprivation of Liberty; residence, care and medical treatment decisions; Lasting Powers of Attorney; and legal advice under the department’s Legal Aid contract.

The role

Partner/Team Leader duties

• You will be responsible for the Court of Protection team and your duties will include:
  • Leading the team to include strategic and business planning;
  • Marketing and business development;
  • Monthly one-to-ones and team meetings; and
  • Technical support and training.
• Attending monthly HoD meetings.
• Written quarterly reports for the partnership as and when required.
• Attending the annual Partners’ strategy meeting and all other partnership meetings as and when required.
• Recruitment and staff management as required in conjunction with HR and the Executive Partner.
• Complaints and compliance.
• Team Leader projects – mentoring and support as required.
• Management and delivery of in-house training as required in conjunction with team leaders.

You will have your own caseload, and your key duties will include:

• Advising clients on a range of issues dealt with in the Court of Protection.
• Dealing with disputes concerning LPAs and Deputyships.
• Acting as a professional Deputy.

Administrative

• Using our PMS and digital dictation to manage matters and client data
• Liaising with clients, other solicitors, the Legal Aid Agency, the courts and others.
• Organising meetings and conferences with Counsel and clients.
• Sending reminders to clients regarding appointments or court hearings.
• Obtaining availability of Counsel and experts involved in cases and booking them in.
• Preparing indices and chronologies.
• Updating file/SOS Connect with notes

Accounts procedures

• Preparing Private Client bills.
• Managing all elements of claims for costs to the Legal Aid Agency.

About us

Barcan+Kirby is well known in the Bristol legal market both as a provider of excellent legal services for individuals and businesses, and as a progressive employer.

We are committed to developing and nurturing our people, and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health is central to our culture. When we say we offer a work/life balance, we mean it.

We work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and friendliness, and welcome applications from individuals who fit with our values.

We like to think that we do things a bit differently from other law firms.

The ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will:

• Be a member of the Law Society Mental Capacity Panel.
• Be a qualified solicitor, or hold a CILEx-qualified Professional Qualification (CPQ or equivalent).
• Be a professional Deputy.
• Have extensive experience in Court of Protection work.
• Have experience in managing a team.
• Have extensive experience undertaking chargeable work and managing your own caseload.
• Have knowledge of CoP and SCCO billing procedures as required.

Computer literacy is essential for this role.

Location and working hours

• Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday). Part-time will be considered.
• The role is based at our Kingswood office but with the option to apply for hybrid working upon successful completion of probation.

Salary

To be confirmed (depending on experience).

Belonging at Barcan+Kirby

We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. We want you to bring your true self to work and encourage applications from anyone who embodies our values, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, disability status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or anything else that makes you, you.

If there is anything we can do to make things more comfortable for you as part of the application process, including making a reasonable adjustment, please let us know by emailing recruitment@barcankirby.co.uk.