Category: Job adverts

Start date: January 2024

The Mental Health Lawyers Association is seeking a part-time administrator. The post is approximately 20 hours per week.

You will be working from your own home or office and will need to be self-employed.

Location is not important, but you will need to attend committee meetings in London every six weeks.

Full training will be given, but you must be computer literate and have good administrative skills.

Remuneration by negotiation, depending on skills and experience.

Please contact Alice Dickinson at admin@mhla.co.uk with your CV.

The key areas of work are:

1. MEMBERSHIP

2. FINANCE

3. EVENTS AND COURSES

4. COMMITTEE MEETINGS

5. MAINTAIN WEBSITE

Reporting to: Head of Department and Partners
Job Title: Court of Protection Solicitor
Job Purpose: Conduct of Mental Capacity Matters
Location: London (hybrid working available)

Job Description

Court of Protection Solicitor

We are looking for a Court of Protection Solicitor to join our Mental Health and Capacity team. This is a great opportunity for the right candidate to join a large highly regarded team of accredited specialists with many years’ experience working in this specialised area of law, and as such are highly recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. 

Applicants should send a C.V. and covering letter to katy.jennings@milesandpartners.com.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an experienced Mental Health and Capacity Solicitor with at least 6 years PQE.
• Have experience in Welfare cases in the Court of Protection.
• Have good working knowledge of Mental Health law and the Care Act.
• Have good working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Law and Practice appropriate to PQE.
• Be a member of the Law Society Mental Health (Welfare) Accreditation Scheme.
• Be committed to delivering a high level of client service.
• Have excellent client care and communication skills.
• Have knowledge and experience of the Legal Aid system.
• Have a proven track record in this field.

Terms to be agreed with salary commensurate with experience. This is an excellent opportunity for career progression for the right candidate, to build their own and the firm’s profile whilst advancing to team leadership with responsibility for developing an interesting niche caseload and supervising and assisting in the development of junior members of the team.

For a full job description, please see below.

Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Primarily to deal with Mental Capacity welfare matters in the Court of Protection and related matters as agreed with and directed by the partners to include conduct of Community Care matters and related Judicial Review matters insofar as they relate to Mental Capacity issues.

2. To contribute to the overall provision of legal services on behalf of the firm, by conducting all matters so assigned, at all times ensuring that the professional standards of the firm and the profession are adhered to.

3. To provide assistance in the supervision and guidance on technical matters to colleagues.

4. Maintain professional standards of work and comply with The SRA Handbook, practice management standards and agreed codes of relevant specialist groupings and court practice directions.

5. Maintain professional standards of work and comply with external and internal regulatory requirements where relevant, comply with internal policy and provide a service in accordance with the policy set out in the office manual.

6. Provide a legal service to the Lexcel standard as laid down in the office manual.  

7. Receive instructions from clients and identify tasks to be done and plan work, researching where necessary and delegating if appropriate.  

8. Ensure the client is kept informed of progress and discuss details of the case with client giving advice as appropriate. 

9. Ensure that the client files and records are maintained in accordance with Lexcel specification and file management procedures.

10. To assist with and comply with Practice Manager and supervisors in the event it is necessary to respond to complaints concerning conduct of work.

11. Market the department and firm as necessary especially with regard to those cases referred by the Official Solicitor and other referral sources.

12. Be an accredited member of the Law Society Mental Capacity (Welfare) Accreditation Scheme. 

Person Specification Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Skills

• Written and oral communication skills
• Working with vulnerable clients, including those with learning disabilities and/or mental disorders
• IT skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet competing court deadlines
• Ability to build good working relationships with members of the team and clients
• Ability to build relationships with other professionals and third parties

Knowledge

• Good working knowledge of Mental Capacity Law and Practice appropriate to PQE
• Good working knowledge of Mental Health Law and the Care Act.
• Awareness of the needs of vulnerable clients who have a learning disability and/or mental disorder

Experience

• Welfare cases in the Court of Protection.
• Member of the Law Society Mental Health (Welfare) Accreditation Scheme 
• At least 6 years PQE

Qualifications

Solicitor or FILEX 

Attributes 

People and Leadership

• A team player
• Responsible for producing good quality work and facilitating productive working relationships with colleagues
• Can provide supervision and guidance on technical issues and on handling clients
• Is considered as a ‘safe pair of hands’
• Able to supervise work and provide feedback on the performance of Paralegals, Trainee Solicitors and Assistants 
• Expected to behave in a manner which is consistent with the firm’s values and behaviours 
• Able to assist in on-going training within the department.

Finance

• Achieves the financial objectives and targets set for them with minimal supervision
• Is aware of the importance of properly scoping work, clearly explaining to the client what a matter will cost, issuing regular bills and assisting cashiers with payment
• Uses, understands and interprets the firm’s financial reporting systems 

Business Development, client relationships and marketing

• Provides an excellent service to clients that meets their expectations
• Receives good feedback from clients 
• Knows how to progress matters in line with client expectations
• Is interested in and understands what we offer to clients
• Is able to establish common ground when communicating with clients
• Demonstrates a natural ease when dealing with people
• Takes advantage of opportunities to start to develop internal and external networks and understands the value of these networks for the future
• Participates in marketing and business development events
• Is starting to identify marketing and BD opportunities

Benefits

We are well known for being a friendly, inclusive and collegiate firm. We value our staff and acknowledge daily that personal development enriches the working environment for all. Our teams are rightly proud of the achievements they make every day on behalf of their clients.

All Miles and Partners team members benefit from:

• The opportunity to be part of a team of passionate lawyers at the top of their game
• A supportive team who love what they do and like to have fun together doing it, whether it’s over lunch or in team events
• Hybrid working for all – combining remote and in-office work creating the opportunity for work-life balance
• The chance to get involved in our legal community and improve access to justice for all – we support the Great Legal Bake and the London Legal Walk
• Recognition for a job well done or moments that matter in your life – we celebrate Eid, Christmas, Pride and Black History Month together, and many more
• Flexible use of the Easter Bank holidays to celebrate other religious festivals
• Additional benefits to enhance your health and wellness including an employee assistance programme delivered by Health Assured – the UK and Ireland’s leading wellbeing provider, as well as monthly wellbeing events
• A cycle-to-work scheme – purchase a bike and accessories and safety equipment through your gross salary, saving 25-39%
• Consideration for the annual discretionary bonus scheme.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community – we recruit on merit, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

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 Accredited Panel Member
6 positions available at offices in St Albans, Aldershot, Bristol, Manchester.

Join Bison, the leading provider of quality legal services dedicated to mental health, Court of Protection personal welfare work, and Administrative Law. Our mission is clear: to empower individuals by enforcing their rights and enhancing their lives through expert legal advice.

Due to the ever-increasing client base and demand for growth, we’re looking to increase our Law Society Accredited Mental Health Panel Members from 18 to 25 by Summer 2024. Currently, we’re hiring 6 Law Society Accredited Mental Health Panel Members for our offices in St Albans, Bristol, Hampshire, and Manchester. We’re not recruiting to fulfil our LAA tender obligations, but rather a genuine drive to accomplish our business objectives.

These positions are ideal for ambitious panel members looking to advance from fee-earning to supervisory, team-leading, and managerial roles.

If you’re craving career progression, this is the perfect opportunity for you. We want someone who exudes confidence in their abilities, possesses strong leadership skills, and is highly motivated to generate fresh ideas. Exceptional people skills, organization, and the ability to juggle multiple projects are also key. You’ll need to inspire and lead your team, while also shouldering training and supervision responsibilities.

If you’re a self-motivated go-getter with a strong work ethic and an appetite for challenges, we want to hear from you.

With a salary range of £35,000 – £50,000 per year (depending on experience, role, and responsibilities), as well as fantastic employee benefits like generous annual leave, Comprehensive Health Insurance, 5 days of carer leave, birthday leave, fully paid 5-day sick leave, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and opportunities for training and development. Bison is committed to creating a fair and inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds.

Take the next step in your legal career and join our dedicated team at Bison.

Please send CV and covering letter to HR@bisonsolicitors.co.uk  or call 07772326052 for an informal chat.

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 have an exciting opportunity to join our highly regarded, well-established niche firm based in Hoylake within our Mental Health Tribunal Team.

We are looking for a full-time Mental Health Accredited Panel Member to work as a part of the team covering a large area of the North West/North Wales.

The successful candidate will be experienced in managing their own caseload representing clients detained under the MHA. 

Mental Health supervisor status would be advantageous.

The right candidate will be someone who can work well as part of a team, has good communication and good organisational skills.  They must have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Salary will be dependant on experience together with an attractive package of:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the opportunity to increase annual leave days for time served
• Healthcare cash plan
• Pension
• Free car parking
• Hybrid working
• Focused training and personal development plan  

How to Apply

Interested candidates who have the skills and experience required for this role can apply with a CV and Cover Letter detailing their interest to: lisabolton@peteredwardslaw.com.

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.

Role: Caseworker/Solicitor
Mental Health

Start date: January 2024
Salary: Dependent on PQE

We are an award-winning multidisciplinary law firm with an exceptional track record offering a wide range of specialist legal services to our clients, from medium-sized businesses and NGOs to public figures and private individuals. Ranked as a top-tier firm by the legal directories, some of the most brilliant lawyers in the country work at Bindmans. 

We are looking for a mental health caseworker or solicitor to join our Mental Health Tribunal team. Ideally, you will be located at our office in London, but there is flexibility in terms of hybrid working. 

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic caseworker or solicitor with experience of representing clients at Mental Health Tribunal and Hospital Managers hearings. 

The applicant should have Mental Health supervisor status for the purpose of the firm’s funding contract with the Legal Aid Agency for Controlled Legal Representation, as well as accreditation under the Law Society’s mental health panel scheme.  

The successful applicant should have a flair for litigation, an ability to lead, manage, and support junior solicitors and trainees, and an interest in working with individuals as well as organisations. 

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Bindmans LLP is an equal opportunities employer, committed to increasing diversity in our firm and our wider profession. Applications from candidates who are BME, have a disability, or who are from a less privileged background are particularly encouraged. 

How to apply

Please visit this page of our website to apply: https://www.bindmans.com/jobs/mental-health-caseworker-solicitor-public-law-and-human-rights/

Please note that CVs will not be accepted for this role.

Closing Date for applications: Midday on Friday 1 December 2023

STRICTLY NO AGENCY APPLICATIONS

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

We are looking for a solicitor to join our Court of Protection team.

We primarily represent P in welfare cases, most frequently instructed on P’s behalf by the Official Solicitor, and we also represent family members. 

We are looking for someone who is conscientious, driven, organised, and works well in a team. Experience of mental capacity matters, best interests and welfare issues in the Court of Protection is essential.

The ideal candidate will be ambitious and dedicated to working within this field of work. We are looking for someone with the potential to progress within the firm.

Salary

£35,000-£45,000 depending on experience.

Benefits

• Bonus scheme;
• 25 days annual leave;
• Career progression;
• Hybrid working.

To Apply

Please send a covering letter, equal opportunities form and curriculum vitae to hr@gnlaw.co.uk by 30 November 2023.

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.

The Firm 

The firm specialises in Mental Health and Court of Protection (Health & Welfare) work. We have offices based in Leicester and Milton Keynes, but would consider applications from outside these areas. The firm is a multi-award winning firm, having won various awards including the current Leicestershire Law Society ‘Solicitor of the Year’. As well as being committed to excellent client care and legal aid work, the firm is also committed to maintaining a dynamic, enjoyable and friendly work environment with various staff benefits.  

Mental Health Solicitor (Panel Member) 

We have an opportunity for a Mental Health Panel member to join our firm. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of Tribunal work with paralegal and billing support. We have hybrid working arrangements in place which offers flexibility and great work/life balance. We offer great career progression and professional development. The salary is competitive and dependent on experience with a start date as soon as possible. 

Court of Protection (Health & Welfare) Solicitor or Paralegal 

We also welcome any applications from experienced Court of Protection Solicitors or paralegals to join our growing team of practitioners to work alongside our head of department who is an ALR. 

How to Apply 

Please apply with a CV and covering letter to reena@thaliwalveja.co.uk, or alternatively if you would like to have an informal and confidential chat then please call 0116 274 5252 and ask for Reena. 

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 – Southwest & Midlands

Reeds Solicitors LLP are a successful and established legal practice, that pride themselves on excellence. We are looking to expand so we can continue to represent those in most need and provide advice and representation on all aspects of Mental Health Law. Accordingly, we have an opportunity for a panel-accredited fee earner to join our Mental Health team.

The successful candidate will be connected to the southwest and midlands procurement area (office based in Gloucestershire). The candidate does not need to be based within this area however will need to have a willingness to travel to the associated courts or hospitals (based in GL1, GL51, GL53). We offer hybrid and flexible working schemes available to all employees.

The successful candidates must be a member of the Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation Scheme and will be expected to manage their own diverse caseload, undertaking all aspects of advocacy before the Tribunal and Hospital Managers.

Supervisor status would be advantageous, but other applications will be considered.

A full UK driving licence is essential.

Salary depending on experience – applications or enquiries to recruitment@reeds.co.uk with MENTAL HEALTH SOLICITOR in the subject bar. Thank you.

Job description

• Meeting and interviewing clients to give advice on all aspects of their detention under the Mental Health Act.
• Managing varied and complex cases from beginning to end.
• Representing clients before the Mental Health Tribunal and/or Hospital Managers’ Hearings.
• Ensuring standards of files are met in accordance with the Office Manual and Lexcel standards.
• Providing the highest level of client care.
• Undertaking legal research and instructing experts where required.
• Undertaking a range of Continuing Competence activities to meet The Law Society’s criteria.
• Working in a team, sometimes referring cases to the Head of Department.
• Supervising and delegating work to trainee solicitors, paralegals and legal secretaries as appropriate.
• Any other duties as directed by the Team Leader or a member of the Management Team.

Person Specification

• Must be a member of The Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation Panel.
• Excellent communicator in both written and spoken English.
• Excellent understanding of client care requirements and a commitment to legal aid.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office package and the ability to learn and efficiently use both practice and case management software.
• Must be proactive in seeking to manage and progress files and apply a consistent attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• The ability to work within a high pressure, high workload environment.
• Be self-confident, proactive and able to develop good working relationship with third parties.
• Resilient with the ability to cope with ever-changing priorities.
• A flexible approach and willingness to help across the department, with a “can do” attitude.

Why work for Reeds Solicitors?

We are a forward thinking, dynamic, Leading Top Tier Legal 500 company, who put their clients and employees first. We are a fun and flexible firm with good opportunities for development and career progression, in fact we have been award-shortlisted for our flexible working and wellbeing policies. We expect a lot from our employees but in return we offer:

• The ability to earn up to 30 days of holiday with years of service (standard holiday packages start at 21 days plus all bank holidays).
• Additional paid day off on your birthday.
• Ability to purchase a further 5 days of holiday each year.
• Discretionary additional holiday days given at Christmas (up to a maximum of 2 days)
• Flexible working schemes available to all employees.
• Private medical health care with the option to add optical and dental care.
• Discounted gym memberships.
• Fresh fruit baskets in each office on a weekly basis.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Unlimited access to online based training, structured regulatory training and a weekly ‘top tip’ to support and enhance working practices.
• A culture of respect for colleagues and the best possible service for our clients.
• Employee assistance programme with access to physical, mental and emotional health advice & webinars, wellbeing videos and programmes, online counselling & mini health checks.

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.

Clifford Johnston & Co are an experienced mental health practice based in South Manchester and Stockport, providing advice in this niche area of law for over 40 years. We are currently recruiting for a Law Society Accredited Mental Health Advocate. We will consider full or part-time applicants.

The applicant must have a driving licence and own transport. Full support will be provided for newly qualified advocates. We are a busy and friendly practice and the position involves all aspects of mental health cases from first instructions to representation at tribunal/hospital managers hearings.

Remuneration commensurate to experience.

The successful candidate will be based at our Heaton Moor office with the opportunity for hybrid WFH/office arrangements. Interested applicants should please send their CV and covering letter by email to n.doherty@cj-law.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.