Court of Protection Paralegal

About the role

Overview

The Paralegal will be responsible for day-to-day general management of the clients’ affairs, and in many cases will act as a primary point of contact for the client.

In addition to the tasks outlined below, the Paralegal will be required to complete discrete tasks as directed by the Associate or Senior Associates. The Paralegal may delegate tasks to a Junior Paralegal, as appropriate, with authority from a Senior Paralegal, Associate, Senior Associate or Partner.

The Paralegal will be required to be aware of the full details of the clients’ affairs and ensure compliance with the OPG Deputyship Standards in all general management tasks.

Responsibilities

The Paralegal will have an allocated case load of clients and undertake all or any of the following tasks:

• Assisting with Court of Protection Deputyship application and all notifications;

• Assisting with Deputyship order implementation;

• Preparing annual review documents for review by senior team members in line with internal policy and following up actions as necessary;

• Ensuring correct benefits and statutory funding received;

• Arranging all insurance policies;

• Liaising with the external Case Manager to discuss care and therapy requirements

• As necessary, drafting employment documentation with supervision from senior team members;

• Drafting annual budgets for approval, updating as required and collaborating with other team members to ensure sufficient funds are available

• Reviewing and considering the use of funds for a Support Worker (Money Care) account;

• Authorising invoices for payment;

• Setting up of utilities for properties, dealing with routine property maintenance and insurance requirements; and

• Completing VAT Exemption forms and obtaining invoices for payment as may be necessary.

The Paralegal will also be expected to be able to undertake all of the tasks of the Junior Paralegal, including:

• Drafting letters to external agencies and companies;

• Obtaining quotations from suppliers with supervision;

• Assisting with orders for equipment;

• Completing discrete pieces of work as directed.

Paralegals are expected to assist with online payments as necessary. Paralegals will be assigned the role of an “Authoriser” or and “Inputter” on a person by person basis.

The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) for at least 50% of their time. Individuals can also apply for other flexible working options either at the time of recruitment or during the course of their employment.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability to manage a busy workload and excellent organisational skills

• Ability to work both alone and collaboratively with other team members

• Confidence in client facing communications

• Attention to accuracy and detail

• Collaborative team member with ability to quickly build relationships with a wide range of people

• Receptive to facilitate and support change

• Sound organisational skills; flexible, pragmatic and problem-solving approach

• Comfortable working under pressure with the ability to plan and prioritise work; appreciation of fee earner needs and constraints; commercially aware.

At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.

We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Niamh.Madden@penningtonslaw.com