Job description
Job Title: Paralegal - Court of Protection & Private Client
Location: Turnbridge Wells, Kent
Department: Court of Protection & Private Client
Reports to: Senior Team Leader / Partner
Job Purpose
You will provide support to the Court of Protection and Private Client teams by carrying out a range of administrative and legal tasks. The role includes assisting solicitors and partners, managing a caseload under supervision, and ensuring the best interests of clients are met. This role will involve legal research, document preparation, client meetings, and general administration.
Key Responsibilities
- Legal Research & Document Preparation:
- Conduct legal research for cases.
- Prepare legal documents, including witness statements, court forms, Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and Probate forms.
- Draft letters, correspondence, and detailed letters of advice for fee earners.
- Handle confidential client or case information and create reports based on case specifications.
- Client & Case Management:
- Manage caseload under supervision, ensuring all client interests are met.
- Attend and conduct straightforward client meetings, and assist in more complex meetings with senior fee earners.
- Liaise with courts, clients, and third parties as required.
- Visit clients and assist with reconciling accounts, updating asset schedules, and preparing attendance notes.
- Legal Filing & Administrative Support:
- Organise and manage legal files.
- Undertake general administrative duties.
- Draft applications for the Court of Protection and manage deputyship files.
- Assist fee earners with new enquiries and provide general administrative support.
- Professional Development & Compliance:
- Monitor changes in law and government regulations, maintaining up-to-date Continuing Professional Development Plans (CPD).
- Ensure compliance with client confidentiality and firm policies.
Person SpecificationEssential Qualifications & Experience:
- Academic:
- 2:1 degree or above in Law or non-law subject.
- Relevant paralegal qualifications (e.g., CILEX Level 3/Paralegal).
- Experience:
- Demonstrable paralegal or work experience in a law firm.
- Strong written and spoken communication skills.
- Proactive and independent approach to work but willing to seek guidance when needed.
Key Skills & Attributes:
- Personal Management:
- Highly organised, with acute attention to detail.
- Capable of managing own caseload and meeting deadlines.
- Able to maintain professionalism under pressure.
- Legal Knowledge & Problem-Solving:
- Strong analytical skills with sound judgment in problem-solving.
- Knowledge of legal processes, with the ability to research and draft legal documents.
- Communication:
- Clear and constructive communication both orally and in writing.
- Ability to engage with clients and colleagues professionally.
- Client Handling:
- Good client handling skills, both face-to-face and over the phone.
- Respectful of client confidentiality and sensitive to their needs.
- Teamwork:
- Collaborative attitude, with the ability to build effective relationships within the team.
- Willing to assist colleagues in achieving firm-wide goals.
Desirable Skills:
- Familiarity with Court of Protection processes.
- Knowledge of probate and inheritance tax matters.
Additional Information
- Full-time position with opportunities for career growth within the firm.
- Competitive salary and benefits package available.