The firm Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits. To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package The team The Serious Injury Team are supported by a dedicated Court of Protection (COP) team dealing with all aspects of Court of Protection work with a focus on the management of the financial affairs of individuals who lack mental capacity to make decisions themselves. This is a challenging but rewarding area of work and requires dedication from individuals with an aptitude for sensitivity, but often firm approach often with challenging and complex individuals. There is a high level of client contact mostly by telephone but some face to face. The role We are looking to recruit an experienced paralegal who will be dedicated to our COP Serious Injury team, based in our Thames Valley or Manchester office. You will be responsible for assisting the team with the day-to-day administration of all aspects of Court of Protection work. There may also be occasional travel across our other offices and locations. The successful candidate will have a minimum of a year's experience as a paralegal within a Court of Protection team to focus on providing an exceptional experience for all potential new and existing clients. Consideration may also be given to those without backgrounds in the legal world, but who are able to strongly demonstrate the necessary skills and qualities for this role, particularly in the context of working with vulnerable children and adults. Such could include Case Managers who are wanting a change of direction into Deputyship work. Main responsibilities This role requires proactive thinking to support the needs of the team and includes but is not limited to the following: - Assisting Head of Department and senior team members in the management of property and financial affairs for protected parties, including liaising with a number of professionals such as members of the litigation team, case managers, therapists and financial advisors. Assisting with case progression and helping to make and progress to completion applications to the Court of Protection. Assist with the preparation of and reconciling accounts and annual deputyship reports. Overseeing payments to clients and third-party suppliers. Understand financial budgets and budgeting of funds. Preparation of Tax Returns. Undertake file reviews. General file administration (opening, set up and closing). Managing paper and electronic filing systems. Be available to proactively advise as well as respond to clients and assist others involved in case preparation by telephone and in person. To manage correspondence quickly, courteously, and efficiently. To develop rapport with clients and experts thereby assisting in delivering excellent client service. Skills and qualifications Previous experience in a similar role ideally within a Court of Protection, Serious Injury or Private Client Team. The successful candidate will have an excellent telephone manner, strong client orientation and professional approach. Self-confidence and ability to demonstrate initiative. Ability to grasp information quickly and easily. Enthusiastic with a positive, can-do attitude. Good working knowledge of various applications – word, excel, outlook, digital dictation. Excellent and accurate keyboard skills required. Flexible with the ability to adapt to change, new practices and remain calm under pressure and find solutions. Excellent presentation skills reflected in their work. Able to integrate within a team as well as working on one’s own initiative. Attention to detail and taking great care in respect of all correspondence and documentation. A methodical and organised approach with keen attention paid to every detail. Exceptional organisational skills to ensure that the tasks are effectively scheduled within working time available, and that urgent work is completed and returned within the specified timescales. Ability to deliver a quality service to both internal and external clients. Excellent client care skills. Strength of character to be able to deal with challenging and difficult situations. Friendly, calm and helpful approach to dealing with queries. Excellent communication and listening skills. Equal opportunities Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.