Solicitor/Chartered Legal Executive

Tax & Estate Planning, Southampton

Paris Smith LLP is one of the South’s largest regional law firms and has celebrated over 200 years in business. We are committed to ensuring that our clients have a positive experience with the firm, and to inspire and develop our people to reach their full potential. We are based in offices in Southampton and Winchester with 46 partners and employing 230 members of staff.

The Role

We are looking for a talented and passionate Solicitor/Legal Executive to join our exciting and growing Court of Protection Team based in our Southampton office. With a minimum of 3 years PQE you will be responsible for managing your own caseload and be focussed on delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients. The right candidate will demonstrate high levels of accuracy, knowledge of Firms and Departmental needs and procedures, ensure deadlines are met and enjoy working within a team who assist elderly and vulnerable clients with the management of their affairs. This role will report directly to the Team Leader of the Court of Protection Team

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

The role will include supporting more junior members of the team whilst progressing your own workload, to include;

• Maintaining accurate time costing procedures ensuring compliance with file management requirements

• Drafting applications to the Court of Protection e.g. Deputyship, Sale of Property, Statutory Wills, Lifetime Gifting

• Routine administration of a persons’ affairs where Paris Smith act as either Attorney or Deputy for a vulnerable person e.g. opening bank accounts, paying insurance, applying for benefits, obtaining financial advice

• Scheduling of assets and producing initial letters to asset/liability holders in connection with the administration of affairs

• Dealing with property matters e.g. visiting the property to assist with obtaining valuations, contents inventories and securing the client’s personal belongings

• Dealing with personal matters e.g. arranging care reviews, mental capacity assessments

• Assist with preparation of annual accounts to the Office of the Public Guardian using Excel and prescribed forms

• Attending clients as and when required whether in their own home, hospital, care home for the purposes of establishing instructions

• Liaising with others as required including family members, accountants, financial advisors, mental capacity assessors etc

• Preparation & Registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney

•Adhering to the OPG Professional Deputy Standards

The Candidate

The successful candidate would possess the following attributes:

• Experience of working on Court of Protection matters for clients with a variety of different capacity needs and issues

• Strong interpersonal skills to establish long-term relationships with various individuals

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Highly organised

• A good team player

• Flexible and proactive approach

• Willing to take ownership and be accountable for own work

• An interest in business development and marketing to supplement the current workload. However, there is currently quite a caseload with which to become involved.

• A desire to learn and develop

• Good IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

Rewards & Benefits

You will be an integral part of the team and will have the opportunity to develop in a highly regarded firm. In return for your commitment to the team you will receive a competitive salary, holiday entitlement, benefits package and an opportunity to thrive at Paris Smith.