Lawstop (Nottingham/Derby) – Court of Protection Paralegal
- Job title: Court of Protection Paralegal (Legal Aid)
- Location: Nottingham/Derby
- Salary: From £25,000 – DOE
Job Purpose
Lawstop are looking for a paralegal to support fee earners within the Court of Protection team in delivering high-quality legal services to vulnerable clients, including those lacking capacity, under the Legal Aid scheme. The role involves assisting with a varied caseload of health and welfare matters, ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements and firm procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Casework Support
- Assist solicitors with Court of Protection matters, including health and welfare applications
- Draft routine correspondence, witness statements, and court documents
- Prepare bundles for court hearings in line with court requirements
- Liaise with clients, litigation friends, family members, medical professionals, and external agencies
- Attend client meetings and take accurate attendance notes
- Conduct legal research where required
Legal Aid & Compliance
- Assist with Legal Aid applications (including Controlled Legal Representation and Legal Help)
- Ensure files are maintained in accordance with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements
- Support billing processes, including time recording and preparation of bills for assessment
- Ensure compliance with firm policies, Legal Aid regulations, and file auditing standards
Client Care
- Provide a sensitive and professional service to vulnerable clients
- Maintain regular communication with clients and stakeholders
- Handle enquiries efficiently and escalate complex issues where appropriate
Administrative Duties
- Manage files, correspondence, and document management systems
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records
- Assist with diary management and hearing preparation
- Support general departmental administration
Person Specification
Essential
- Previous experience as a paralegal or legal assistant (preferably in Court of Protection, public law, or community care);
- Law degree (LLB) or equivalent;
- Driving licence and access to a vehicle;
- Strong organisational and time management skills;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to work with vulnerable clients in a sensitive and professional manner;
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Desirable
- Experience working under a Legal Aid contract;
- Knowledge of Legal Aid procedures and compliance requirements;
- Understanding of Court of Protection processes and mental capacity principles;
- Familiarity with case management systems;
- Experience preparing court bundles and assisting with hearings.
Key Competencies
- Attention to detail;
- Client-focused approach;
- Ability to take instructions and show initiative;
- Teamwork and collaboration;
- Ability to manage competing priorities;
- Professional integrity and confidentiality.
Additional Information
- The role will involve occasional travel for court hearings and client meetings
- The successful candidate will be required to undergo relevant background checks
How to apply
Please provide CV and cover letter to Natalie Harrington:
natalieh@lawstop.co.uk