Category: Job adverts

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.

MENTAL CAPACITY SOLICITOR

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 35 years. We are currently recruiting for a Law Society Accredited Legal Representative (ALR). We will consider full or part-time applicants.

The applicant must have a driving licence and own transport. Flexible working arrangements/ ability to work remotely. We are a busy and friendly practice.

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

The successful candidate will be based at our Heaton Moor office. Interested applicants should please send their CV 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.

MENTAL HEALTH PANEL MEMBER VACANCY

We are a long established city centre law practice located in stylish, modern offices in the heart of the Leeds legal sector; with a strong reputation for publicly funded work.  

We are passionate about the work that we do to protect the rights of our clients and to ensure they are dealt with fairly and with compassion. We are looking for someone who shares that passion.

If you are currently a member of the Law Society’s Mental Health Panel Accreditation Scheme (or close to accreditation), have enthusiasm, empathy, and are able to deal with the most vulnerable members of society; we would like to invite you to apply to join our experienced and supportive team.

Ideally, you will have worked in this area of law for approximately 2-3 years and have experience of all aspects of Mental Health law including tribunal work. 

The role will involve:

• Travelling to hospitals in Leeds and surrounding areas to visit clients.
• Managing a caseload of mental health cases including representation at the Mental Health Tribunal.
• Scope for dealing with Mental Capacity matters.
• Ensuring that files are run in accordance with the LAA requirements.

Due to the travel involved, a full driving licence is preferred but not essential. The role also lends itself to a hybrid working environment which can be discussed in more detail upon application.

Please apply in writing, enclosing your CV and a covering letter stating your reasons for applying to Katrina Greenhalf: email k.greenhalf@henryhyams.com. Closing date: 08.12.21.

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 PARALEGAL VACANCY

We are a long established highly respected practice based in Leeds city centre with a strong reputation for legal aid work.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and capable individual with an interest in mental health law. The successful candidate will be required to work towards obtaining Mental Health Panel Accreditation for which full training and support will be provided.

You will be joining an experienced and friendly team within a supportive working environment with excellent career opportunities.

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience working with or supporting vulnerable people
• Have an interest in mental health law
• Have good organisational skills
• Be a clear communicator
• Be able to work independently

The role will involve:

• Taking instructions from clients in hospital or subject to community based section.
• Case preparation and representation at Hospital Managers’ Hearings
• Working towards Mental Health Panel Membership.
• Attendance at hospital managers hearings and CPA meetings
• Ensuring that files are run in accordance with the LAA requirements.

Due to the travel involved, a full driving licence is preferred but not essential.

Please apply in writing, enclosing your CV and a covering letter stating your reasons for applying to Katrina Greenhalf: email k.greenhalf@henryhyams.com. Closing date: 5.11.21.

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.

Walsall firm Star Legal (incorporating CMHT) Solicitors are recruiting for the following positions:

Mental Health Solicitor/Experienced Caseworker to Undertake MHT Work

Law Society panel member and driving licence essential. The opportunity to also receive training in and undertake Court of Protection work is available (no prior CoP experience necessary).

Court of Protection (Health & Welfare) Solicitor/Experienced Caseworker

Previous experience of working with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and legal aid requirements is essential. Accredited Legal Representative status desirable but not essential.

Star Legal Ltd is a highly-regarded multi-service law firm based in the West Midlands. We hold a legal aid contract in Mental Health and have a strong reputation in the area. 

The positions would suit enthusiastic applicants looking to assist in developing and growing an already thriving practice representing vulnerable members of society with a team committed to delivering high-quality assistance and representation to all those that need it. 

Salary & terms will be commensurate with experience and potential. 

Apply with covering letter and CV to Kirstine.McFarlane@star-legal.co.uk or for an informal discussion contact Kirstine McFarlane on 07768110398.

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.