A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and 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. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

At the firm they have a large dedicated Court of Protection Team and can offer a full, professionally managed Deputyship service. Our Court of Protection (COP) solicitors are acknowledged as being among the UKs leading practitioners in this highly specialised and sensitive area of law.

They are looking to recruit a Legal Assistant who will be based in their Birmingham office but with some occasional travel across most offices and locations. The successful candidate will focus on providing an exceptional experience for all potential new and existing clients. You will be responsible for providing administration support to the team and assisting with the day to day administration of all aspect of Court of Protection work.

This is a busy role, with deadlines to manage and competing priorities, so you will be required to work quickly, accurately, and efficiently and remain calm under pressure.

You will be expected to think ahead to meet the needs of your fee earners and clients. It is an integral part of this role that you comply with policies and procedures.

This role requires proactive thinking to support the needs of the Legal Advisors. Your workload will be varied and includes but is not limited to the following: –

• Sorting/scanning incoming and outgoing post
• Collating enclosures for letters going out to clients
• Opening, closing and archiving client files
• Ensuring documents and records are stored appropriately, including ensuring filing and e-filing is up to date and accessible
• Receiving and dealing with items from safe storage
• At times you may be the first point of contact for clients and have regular communication with them (taking messages, arranging meetings etc.), so should demonstrate professionalism, diplomacy and sensitivity in all your communications
• Dealing with payments on behalf of clients
• Reconciling bank statements
• Assist with the preparation of accounts and annual deputyship reports.
• Assist with the preparation of bills of costs.
• Expenses claims
• Cheque & payment requisitions
• Keeping records of client’s financial assets
• Preparation of forms
• Diary management.
• Organising meetings, travel arrangements etc.

• Previous experience in a similar role ideally within a Court of Protection or Private Client Team
• Client care experience within a professional environment
• Self-confidence and ability to demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to grasp things quickly and easily.
• Enthusiastic with a positive, can do attitude.
• Friendly, calm and helpful approach to dealing with queries
• Excellent communication skills and telephone manner
• Ability to prioritise, be organised and efficient
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good listening skills
• Attention to detail and taking great care in respect of all correspondence and documentation
• Flexible with the ability to adapt to change, new practices and cope under pressure
• Able to integrate and work as part of a team
• A methodical and organised approach with keen attention paid to every detail
• Good 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 and accurate keyboard skills required
• Good working knowledge of various applications – word, outlook, powerpoint and excel essential

If you feel you have the required wexperience and skill to succeed in this role please submit your CV to be considered