Court of Protection Solicitor - Deputyship Team – City of London

Job Description: Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd):

Regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas – “a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients”. A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos.

Recognised among The Times 200 Best Law Firms, we have been awarded Law Firm of the Year at the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards, reflecting our dedication to legal expertise and client service. We hold Investors in People Gold Standard accreditation for over 15 years, showcasing our commitment to professional development. Duncan Lewis is also Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001 certified, ensuring excellence in practice management and data security.

We are committed to recruiting dedicated and talented professionals and welcome applications from exceptional candidates. At Duncan Lewis, we value training and diversity, and we take pride in our inclusive workforce.

Department Background:

Our Court of Protection finance team act as professional deputy, managing financial affairs for many vulnerable clients. Clients are referred by the Office of the Public Guardian to Philippa Barton as panel deputy, and by litigation teams acting for incapacitated clients who have recovered damages awards.

You will be responsible for day-to-day management of our clients’ finances including building good relationships with clients, dealing with one off requests for payments, making applications to the court, managing building projects, managing tax and insurance issues and completing OPG reports.

The team also act for clients applying to be appointed as lay deputy and deal with probate matters.

The team has been ranked by The Legal 500 and the team director is ranked in Chambers. Client testimonials say that the team is “knowledgeable about all things Court of Protection” and they are “empathetic, approachable and diligent.

This a relatively new Court of Protection team which is fast growing and very busy. The team works closely together and prioritises provided a high level of client care and a very efficient service.

Main Responsibilities of the Role:

• Report directly to Department Director;
• Professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of clients’ needs;
• Assisting with Court of Protection matters including day to day conduct of deputyship files, deputyship and other Court of Protection applications;
• Updating accounts and completing OPG reports;
• Instructing capacity assessors and financial advisors;
• Drafting trust deeds;
• Dealing with correspondence;
• Maintaining accurate time costing procedures;
• Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly file reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly;
• Ensuring compliance with file management.

Key Skills Required:

• Solicitor with 2–3 years’ PQE, holding a clean and valid Practising Certificate at the time of application.
• Demonstrate experience in professional property and affairs deputyship work
• A strong academic background with a Law degree
• Clear understanding and knowledge of Court of Protection practice and procedure and the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Business acumen and the ability to market the Company
• Excellent communications skills to work effectively with all types of people
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills and ability to use own initiative but know when to seek guidance
• Committed team player, self -motivated and professional
• Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills

Why Join Us?

• Work with one of the UK’s leading law firms recognised for excellence and innovation
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive workforce committed to equal opportunities
• Access ongoing professional development and training

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• A fantastic supportive team
• Excellent progression opportunities
• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition