Author: Alice

MENTAL CAPACITY AND MENTAL HEALTH LAW

We are currently recruiting for a Law Society Accredited Legal Representative (ALR).

We are a growing firm (London, SE9) who are passionate about the work that we do to protect the rights of our client’s. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated self-starter and be expected to build and maintain their own caseload.

The candidate will be experienced in handling proceedings under s.16 and s.21A MCA 2005, deputyship work and DoLS. The candidate will also be expected to regularly work with the Official Solicitor.

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with qualification and experience, an excellent case management system, a friendly environment and flexible working.

We will consider full or part-time applicants.

Mental Capacity and Mental Health Consultant Solicitors

We are also seeking mental capacity and mental health consultant practitioners to join our team.

We are offering a very competitive fee sharing package.

Please apply with a CV to info@abbottsmartin.com.

Deadline: 1^st February 2022

Would you like to see your job advertisement on the MHLA website, for just £75? Send your text and optional logo to us at: admin@mhla.co.uk. We will supply an invoice. Adverts are published upon receipt of payment.

1. Job Information
2. Introduction to EMG Solicitors
3. EMG Solicitors vision, mission, and values
4. Responsibilities and duties
5. Knowledge, experience and skills required to do the job
6. Terms and conditions

Job Information

Job Title: Solicitor / Legal Executive
Department & Team: Court of Protection (Health & Welfare)
Location: Durham
Working Hours: 35
Salary: TBA
Reports To: Team Leader for CoP Health & Welfare

Introduction to EMG Solicitors

EMG Solicitors is an award-winning, Legal 500 boutique law firm located in Durham and Gosforth. We provide a range of legal advice to both private individuals and businesses across the region and nationally. We provide the legal support that our clients require in order to achieve anything from their basic needs to their wildest dreams and everything in between. We specialise in Court of Protection, Deputyships, Family Law, Residential Conveyancing, Commercial Property, Litigation & Disputes and Wills, Trusts & Probate services.

EMG Solicitors vision, mission and values

EMG Solicitors vision statement

Supporting clients. Protecting assets. Changing Lives.

EMG Solicitors mission statement

Providing the legal support our clients require to achieve anything from their basic needs to their wildest dreams and everything in between.

At EMG Solicitors we believe in equality. Our passion is not only in providing exemplary legal services but also in making a meaningful contribution to our community and the charitable causes we support.

We pride ourselves on delivering excellence and we have a culture of honesty and transparency in how we work, both with each other and with our clients.

We are ambitious, we think big and are pro-active in how we support our clients and each other, but as importantly as all of this we value having fun and being happy.

EMG Values

Excellence – we deliver excellence.

Courage – we are ambitious and think big.

Cooperation – we proactively support our clients and each other.

Integrity – we are open and transparent.

Kindness – we value people, communities, having fun and being happy.

Responsibilities and duties

Main duties of role;

• Undertake fee earning work and provide a profitable contribution to the work of the department
• Ensure the successful development of the department and of the firm in line with business plan
• Ensure that Client’s needs are met as soon as possible and deal with any issues that arise for them

Key fee earner tasks (not an exhaustive list);

• Taking client instructions and providing legal assistance
• Running a caseload of client matters in accordance with: EMG’s Office Procedures Manual and policies; SRA code, Legal Aid Agency contract; and Lexcel requirements.
• Representing clients at Court, undertaking advocacy and instructing Counsel where appropriate.
• Representing clients at Mental Health Tribunals, if appropriately accredited.
• Conduct of matters on behalf of clients with all due diligence, in particular ensuring excellence in respect of:
  • Technical advice
  • Client service
  • User-friendly language
• Undertaking legal research and maintaining legal knowledge through training.
• Management of support services for oneself.
• Participation in business development and marketing activities whether on a firmwide, departmental and/or office basis, in particular in relation to the development of the Court of Protection Health and Welfare Department. Including:
  • Liaison with the Legal Aid Agency;
  • Building up referral sources for health and welfare work;
  • Working within the rules of the Legal Aid contract.
• Financial control and in particular;
  • Take monies on account of fees and disbursements when possible and appropriate
  • Record time accurately and in line with chargeable and non-chargeable time targets
  • Agree fees with client in advance of billing, whether by agreeing fixed fees or hourly rates with fee estimate
  • Bill matters promptly and appropriately, seeking to maximise recovery of time spent
  • Collect cash promptly from clients in settlement of bills
  • Billing in line with Legal Aid rules
• Working as a case worker under the Mental Health Legal Aid Contract – acting in line with the requirements of that contract.
• Provide support to COP Property & Affairs team in relation to health and welfare matters.

Knowledge, experience and skills required to do the job

Area	Desirable (Optional)	Essential (Required)
Qualifications	Law Society Mental Capacity (Welfare) Accreditation	Fully qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive
Experience	2 years PQ experience Experience of running a Court of Protection caseload
Skills and knowledge	Takes on personal responsibility to learn on the job and keep knowledge in all relevant areas up to date. Accuracy and excellent attention to detail. Strong interpersonal skills, training and strong communication skills. Communicates in a clear, confident and relaxed manner. Adapts style of communication appropriately when dealing with colleagues and clients. Works to understands the team’s key roles and the challenges they may face. Knowledge of Legal Aid rules and procedures.	Able to work individually and as a team. Excellent time management and organisational skills. Ability to use own initiative, be proactive, work well under pressure and to tight deadlines. Able to independently judge potential situations, identify and take alternative courses of action without putting the client or the business at risk. Excellent problem solving and research skills.
Other factors	Displays honesty and integrity. Proactive and self-motivated. Can do attitude. Flexible and adaptive in particular during busier periods. Desire for continuous personal and professional development.

Terms and conditions

In addition to an attractive salary, the benefits for this position are:

• Bonus scheme
• 4% employer contribution to pension scheme
• 25 days holiday entitlement per year with an additional 3 days non-contractual leave days at Christmas
• Free annual flu injection
• EMG Rewards – offering discounts at a range of high-street retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme
• £50 Gift card on your birthday as well as a late start/early finish
• £50 Gift card at Christmas plus Christmas closure (subject to variation)
• 5 extra days paid leave on your 5-year anniversary
• Death in Service Benefit of 3 x salary

How to apply

Please send your CV and covering letter to careers@emgsolicitors.com by 28 January 2022.

Would you like to see your job advertisement on the MHLA website, for just £75? Send your text and optional logo to us at: admin@mhla.co.uk. We will supply an invoice. Adverts are published upon receipt of payment.

Category 1 firm in London looking for an accreditation panel member (qualified person preferred) to join the practice on a permanent employed basis (although other arrangements open to consideration).

Additional experience of any of the below would be an advantage:

1. Court of Protection (including ALR status)
2. Satellite mental health litigation (e.g. tortious and HRA claims)
3. Community care
4. Public law

The firm has always been very accommodating in respect of working arrangements, and although the world has recently caught up, we still are! Competitive salary. Target start date: End of February 2022.

To apply or for further information (including a job description), please email campbelltaylorrecruitment@gmail.com or telephone 020 7923 9583 to set up a confidential initial chat.

Closing date: Monday 17^th January 2022.

Would you like to see your job advertisement on the MHLA website, for just £75? Send your text and optional logo to us at: admin@mhla.co.uk. We will supply an invoice. Adverts are published upon receipt of payment.

Trainee Solicitors at Guile Nicholas

We are looking to recruit 3 Trainee Solicitors starting in 2022.

All the positions will start in the Mental Health Department and must have at least 3 months experience in Mental Health Law at the time of applying for this role.

Subject to a 3-month probation period, the Training Contracts will begin and the successful applicants will be supported in gaining Law Society Accreditation with a view to conducting advocacy before the First-tier Tribunal.

The second year of the Training Contract will be in one of the following areas:

• Court of Protection
• Housing
• Complaints and Actions against Public Authorities (including Inquests)
• Family Law (Public and/or Private)
• Wills, Trusts and Probate

There will be a bonus on becoming accredited as above.

Why train and qualify with us?

You will receive thorough and complete training in the relevant law and practice – this will include Legal Aid Agency Requirements / SRA Codes of Conduct / Law Society guidance and the Lexcel quality mark.

You will also be fully supervised throughout your training contract and beyond while being given the responsibility of running your own cases. As with all fee-earners, you will be regularly supported by your team, your supervisor and/or department head as well as via weekly departmental and team meetings.

We also have a proved track record of taking cases to the Upper Tribunal as well as the Supreme Court.

We generally seek to retain staff on qualification (for example 10 of our current Panel Members/CoP Solicitors trained with us) – alternatively, colleagues that have qualified with us have gone on to join the Government Legal Service, MIND (legal director), The Howard League for Penal Reform (legal director), local authorities as well as firms such as Irwin Mitchell and TV Edwards amongst others.

In order to apply, please email on@gnlaw.co.uk with your CV and cover letter explaining why you are applying for this role, and identifying the relevant skills and experience you have for the role. Please also include an Equal Opportunities Form which can be found via our website and/or here.

Closing date for applications is 31/01/22; if you have not heard from us by 11/02/22 you will not be contacted for interview.

Would you like to see your job advertisement on the MHLA website, for just £75? Send your text and optional logo to us at: admin@mhla.co.uk. We will supply an invoice. Adverts are published upon receipt of payment.

Paralegal (Court of Protection) Job Advert

The vacancy

We are looking for a paralegal to join our Court of Protection team. Atkins & Palmer is a growing firm and the role has excellent opportunities for career development, as well as a friendly team and supportive work environment.

About the firm

Atkins & Palmer is a specialist Court of Protection and mental health law firm. Our office is in the centre of Teddington, in the London Borough of Richmond.

Atkins & Palmer is recognised for its excellence in Court of Protection in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Our director, Amy Butler, was recently a finalist in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards for disability rights. Dr Bogdan Cretu, co-founder of the firm, is a medical doctor with specialism in Emergency Medicine, bringing a wealth of medical experience to mental health and Court of Protection cases.

Atkins & Palmer holds a legal aid contract and we are committed to providing legal aid services and access to justice. 

Atkins & Palmer is a forward-thinking firm, using technology to assist with the provision of high-quality advice. We are based in a modern office and are entirely paperless. We maintain a professional but also relaxed work environment.

The role

You will work alongside our fee earners in the Court of Protection team. The post will involve assisting fee earners with the following:

• Case preparation, including drafting witness statements, preparing instructions to experts, preparing briefs to counsel and carrying out administrative tasks such as maintaining files and time recording.
• Arranging meetings with clients and conferences with counsel, attending court with counsel and attending other professional meetings.
• Meeting with clients with support and supervision.
• Reading evidence, reviewing medical records and undertaking legal research.

You will receive a thorough induction and appropriate support from a designated supervisor to enable you to succeed and feel comfortable in carrying out the role.  As well as managing a caseload, you will be involved in marketing to continue to raise the profile of the firm and expand the client base. You will also have a learning and development plan and opportunities to work towards Law Society accreditation where appropriate.

We do offer trainee solicitor positions, and generally our trainees will be expected to spend a period of time as a paralegal within the firm (6-12 months) before being considered for a training contract.

The ideal candidate

The following is essential:

• LPC qualification
• Experience of working as a paralegal
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• The ability to work well under pressure, good time management skills and good team working skills

The following is desirable:

• Experience of working on legally aided cases
• Experience of working on Court of Protection cases

Salary

The guide salary band for this role is £20,000 – £23,000. The salary is subject to skills and experience.

Location

The role is based in our office in Teddington, in the London Borough of Richmond.

Benefits

We offer the following benefits:

• 25 days holiday
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay
• Enhanced sick leave pay
• Birthday leave
• Miscarriage leave
• Enhanced child bereavement leave pay
• Paid time off work for volunteering

Start date

As soon as possible, but this can be flexible to suit a successful candidate.

Application & interview

To apply for this role, please send your CV and a covering letter to enquiry@atkinsandpalmer.co.uk by 14 January 2022.

Your covering letter should set out how you meet the essential experience and skills for the role as set out in this advert. You should also include any additional experience and skills you would bring to the role. The interviews will take place as soon as possible at our office in Teddington.

Would you like to see your job advertisement on the MHLA website, for just £75? Send your text and optional logo to us at: admin@mhla.co.uk. We will supply an invoice. Adverts are published upon receipt of payment.

Mental Health Solicitor Job Advert

The vacancy

We are looking for a solicitor or experienced caseworker to join our Mental Health team. Atkins & Palmer is a growing firm and the role has excellent opportunities for career development, as well as a friendly team and supportive work environment.

About the firm

Atkins & Palmer is a specialist Court of Protection and mental health law firm. Our office is in the centre of Teddington, in the London Borough of Richmond.

Atkins & Palmer is recognised for its excellence in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Our director, Amy Butler, was recently a finalist in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards for disability rights. Dr Bogdan Cretu, co-founder of the firm, is a medical doctor with specialism in Emergency Medicine, bringing a wealth of medical experience to mental health and Court of Protection cases.

Atkins & Palmer holds a legal aid contract and we are committed to providing legal aid services and access to justice. 

Atkins & Palmer is a forward-thinking firm, using technology to assist with the provision of high-quality advice. We are based in a modern office and are entirely paperless. We maintain a professional but also relaxed work environment.

The role

You will work within our mental health team managing a caseload of mental health matters. You will be expected to carry out the usual tasks when running a case; for example, meeting with clients, corresponding with professionals or family members, reviewing medical records, advocacy before the First-tier Tribunal, attending Hospital Managers Hearings or CPA meetings.  There will be a need to travel to visit clients in hospital, subject to Covid-19 risk assessments.

You will receive a thorough induction and appropriate support from a designated supervisor to enable you to succeed and feel comfortable in carrying out the role.  As well as managing a caseload, you will be involved in marketing to continue to raise the profile of the firm and expand the client base. You will also have a learning and development plan with opportunities to work towards legal aid supervisor status where appropriate.

The ideal candidate

The following is essential:

• A qualified solicitor, with an experience level of newly qualified or above, or an experienced caseworker
• Holds the Law Society mental health accreditation
• A solid understanding of matters arising from the Mental Health Act 1983, Tribunal Procedure Rules, SRA regulations and legal aid contract requirements
• Experience of conducting advocacy
• Excellent client care skills and experience of working with vulnerable clients
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

The following is desirable:

• Meets the Legal Aid Agency supervisor status in the category of mental health law
• Experience of Court of Protection work
• A driving licence

Salary

The guide salary band for this role is £32,000 – £45,000, dependent on level of experience.

Location

The role is based in our office in Teddington, in the London Borough of Richmond.

Benefits

We offer the following benefits:

• 25 days holiday
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay
• Enhanced sick leave pay
• Birthday leave
• Miscarriage leave
• Enhanced child bereavement leave pay
• Paid time off work for volunteering
• The opportunity to work flexibly from the office or at home

Start date

As soon as possible, but this can be flexible to suit a successful candidate.

Application & interview

To apply for this role, please send your CV and a covering letter to enquiry@atkinsandpalmer.co.uk by 14 January 2022.

Your covering letter should set out how you meet the essential experience and skills for the role as set out in this advert. You should also include any additional experience and skills you would bring to the role. The interviews will take place as soon as possible at our office in Teddington.

Would you like to see your job advertisement on the MHLA website, for just £75? Send your text and optional logo to us at: admin@mhla.co.uk. We will supply an invoice. Adverts are published upon receipt of payment.

Court of Protection Solicitor Job Advert

The vacancy

We are looking for a solicitor to join our Court of Protection team. Atkins & Palmer is a growing firm and the role has excellent opportunities for career development, as well as a friendly team and supportive work environment.

About the firm

Atkins & Palmer is a specialist Court of Protection and mental health law firm. Our office is in the centre of Teddington, in the London Borough of Richmond.

Atkins & Palmer is recognised for its excellence in Court of Protection work in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Our director, Amy Butler, was recently a finalist in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards for disability rights. Dr Bogdan Cretu, co-founder of the firm, is a medical doctor with specialism in Emergency Medicine, bringing a wealth of medical experience to the Court of Protection team.

Atkins & Palmer holds a legal aid contract and we are committed to providing legal aid services and access to justice.  Our Court of Protection team works on a variety of cases, including representing those residing in care homes, cases concerning international relocation and medical treatment cases.

Atkins & Palmer is a forward-thinking firm, using technology to assist with the provision of high-quality advice. We are based in a modern office and are entirely paperless. We maintain a professional but also relaxed work environment.

The role

You will work within our Court of Protection team managing a caseload of Court of Protection welfare matters. You will be expected to carry out the usual tasks when running a case; for example, preparing witness statements, instructions to experts, briefing counsel, attending court and meeting with clients. You will often be working with clients who are vulnerable, or family members of vulnerable clients.

You will receive a thorough induction and appropriate support from a designated supervisor to enable you to succeed and feel comfortable in carrying out the role.  As well as managing a caseload, you will be involved in marketing to continue to raise the profile of the firm and expand the client base. You will also have a learning and development plan with opportunities to work towards supervisor status or obtain Law Society accreditations where appropriate.

The ideal candidate

The following is essential:

• A qualified solicitor or Legal Executive (CILEX), with an experience level of newly qualified or above.
• A solid understanding of matters arising from the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Court of Protection practice and procedures, SRA regulations and legal aid contract requirements.
• The ability to manage your own caseload, to work well under pressure, good time management skills and good team working skills.
• Excellent client care skills and experience of working with vulnerable clients.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

The following is desirable:

• Law Society Mental Capacity (Welfare) Accreditation
• Meeting the Legal Aid Agency supervisor status in the category of mental health law
• Experience of community care work, including judicial review
• Experience of conducting advocacy
• A driving licence

Salary

The guide salary band for this role is £32,000 – £45,000, dependent on level of experience.

Location

The role is based in our office in Teddington, in the London Borough of Richmond.

Benefits

We offer the following benefits:

• 25 days holiday
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay
• Enhanced sick leave pay
• Birthday leave
• Miscarriage leave
• Enhanced child bereavement leave pay
• Paid time off work for volunteering
• The opportunity to work flexibly from the office or at home

Start date

As soon as possible, but this can be flexible to suit a successful candidate.

Application & interview

To apply for this role, please send your CV and a covering letter to enquiry@atkinsandpalmer.co.uk by 14 January 2022.

Your covering letter should set out how you meet the essential experience and skills for the role as set out in this advert. You should also include any additional experience and skills you would bring to the role. The interviews will take place as soon as possible at our office in Teddington.

Would you like to see your job advertisement on the MHLA website, for just £75? Send your text and optional logo to us at: admin@mhla.co.uk. We will supply an invoice. Adverts are published upon receipt of payment.

COP Solicitor

The Firm

Bison Solicitors is a well-established practice with offices in Aldershot, Manchester, St Albans and Bristol. We have a Court of Protection team with a wide range of expertise and experience, whose solicitors are completely committed to upholding the human rights and civil liberties of their clients and delivering outstanding client care. Bison Solicitors only ever act for individuals and families, and never for health authorities or other organisations. They offer a modern, friendly and non-traditional culture.

Positions Available

We are recruiting for Court of Protection fee earners to join our branches in Aldershot, Manchester, St Albans and Bristol. 4 positions available for immediate start.

The Candidate

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor, legal assistant, chartered legal executive with proven past experience in dealing with COP welfare cases.  The ideal candidate will be able to use their knowledge and experience to represent protected parties and their family members in complex health and welfare proceedings before the Court of Protection, including challenging Deprivation of Liberty authorisations, making or responding to applications for personal welfare orders and making applications for deputyships.

Knowledge of Legal Aid Work is essential.

Essential skills:

• The ability to manage a diverse caseload with minimal supervision to a high level of quality.
• Work well under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to be a team player and to work independently.
• ALR status would be helpful, but is not essential.

Salary is dependent upon level of experience.

To apply for this job, please email a cover letter and CV to Helen Bayes: helen.bayes@bisonsolicitors.co.uk.

Would you like to see your job advertisement on the MHLA website, for just £75? Send your text and optional logo to us at: admin@mhla.co.uk. We will supply an invoice. Adverts are published upon receipt of payment.

Mental Health Panel Member

The Firm

Bison Solicitors is a well-established practice with offices in Aldershot, Manchester, St Albans and Bristol. We have a strong national mental health team with a wide range of expertise and experience in representation of those subject to the Mental Health Act.

Our experience is not restricted to tribunal representations, but also cover community care and access to mental health services within the community.

At Bison, we are committed to upholding the human rights and civil liberties of our clients and delivering outstanding client care. Bison Solicitors only ever act for individuals and families and never for health authorities or other organisations. They offer a modern, friendly and non-traditional culture.

Positions Available

We are recruiting for law society accredited mental health panel members to join our branches in Aldershot, Manchester, St Albans and Bristol. 4 positions available for immediate start.

The Candidate

As an accredited mental health panel member, you are experienced in dealing with clients with special needs.  You have a strong advocacy skill honed from your years of experience from tribunal representations.  Equally, you have strong organisation skills and the ability to deliver targets and objectives.  You are career-driven with a can-do attitude and more importantly, willing to go above and beyond to deliver excellent client care.

Essential skills:

• The ability to manage a diverse caseload with minimal supervision to a high level of quality.
• Work well under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to be a team player and to work independently.

Salary is dependent upon level of experience.

To apply for this job, please email a cover letter and CV to Helen Bayes: helen.bayes@bisonsolicitors.co.uk.

Would you like to see your job advertisement on the MHLA website, for just £75? Send your text and optional logo to us at: admin@mhla.co.uk. We will supply an invoice. Adverts are published upon receipt of payment.

We are currently looking to recruit a Law Society Panel Member to join our Mental Health Team based in North Finchley.  The position is permanent with an immediate start (subject to any notice period of course). 

If you want to be part of a strong and supportive team who are all committed to providing an excellent service to our clients, please apply.

The role involves representing mental health clients at Tribunals and generally – experience of Upper Tribunal appeals will differentiate but is not essential.

As a firm, we are fortunate enough to run many interesting cases at Tribunal level, on appeal to the Upper Tier and on occasion all the way to the Supreme Court. 

The department, as you might expect, is busy and there is quite a lot of ‘running around’ which goes hand in hand with keeping on top of the paperwork – knowledge of compliance in terms of the LAA and Lexcel would also be very beneficial as well as proficient IT skills.

Commitment and ability will be the key to any successful application and a solid understanding and adoption of the firm’s culture and values is imperative.

Salary

• Subject to experience & level of qualification but is likely to fall within the £32 – £40k bracket.

Benefits

• Hybrid WFH / Office arrangements
• Private Health Insurance
• Health Assurance Membership
• Competitive bonus scheme
• 25 days leave
• Career Development fully supported and encouraged
• Regular internal / external training

Please send all applications to on@gnlaw.co.uk; applications must include:

• Equal Opportunities Form (available here);
• Up to date CV;
• Cover letter / email

If you would like to apply, please get in touch no later than 03/12/21 so we can try and squeeze some interviews in before Christmas.

If we have not contacted you by 06/12/21 we will unfortunately not be inviting you for an interview.

No consultants or recruitment agencies please.

Would you like to see your job advertisement on the MHLA website, for just £75? Send your text and optional logo to us at: admin@mhla.co.uk. We will supply an invoice. Adverts are published upon receipt of payment.