September 2024

We are a leading specialist Court of Protection and Private Client firm, winner of a number of awards:

 'Hugh Jones is a niche firm offering specialist services around Court of Protection work. They are the go-to firm in this field. They are leading experts on this and the service is absolutely first rate. They have a great team, they are all friendly, eager to help and above all, responsive. You are always made to feel that your enquiry is important.’  Legal 500 2023

We are looking for 2 further fee earners (Grade B/C COP rates), either solicitor or legal executive, to add to our team, as our new work continues to increase. As a niche firm, we support our clients in house with specialist HR services, Property and Welfare Benefits work.

The successful candidate must have at least 2 years’ experience as a Court of Protection fee earner, either in a specialist team or a part of a mixed Private Client/Court of Protection caseload.  We are delighted to consider candidates with Local Authority experience. 

We will consider candidates from 2 years’ and up to around 6 years’ experience, including to Associate level.  Our pay rates and package are extremely competitive. 

The role 

• Manage a caseload of Property and Affairs files, supported by our Case Workers who manage the day to day financial work and trainee solicitors/paralegals;
• Supervised by one of the 3 specialist COP Directors in our team;
• Assist senior team members with complex Property and Affairs files;
• The role can be undertaken working partly or wholly remotely (probably 2-3 days a week in the office to start with, dropping to 1-2 days as needed), as is the settled practice of the firm going forward.
• Ample opportunity for development and promotion. 
• The role can be undertaken on a hybrid basis working at least 2 days per week in the office (more often if you would prefer), as is the settled practice of the firm going forward. You would be required to attend the office full time for an initial period, whilst settling in.  See more about hybrid working here.

The Court of Protection team is headed by Director Chris Gallagher, under Managing Director Liz Hughes and Chairman Hugh Jones, who is an OPG panel deputy.

Our clients include those who have lost capacity following a birth injury or accident and have received damages following a PI or clinical Negligence claim and clients living with dementia and other illnesses. We undertake a significant amount of contested, high-value Court of Protection work including cases with jurisdictional issues and financial abuse investigation work.

Work will include daily contact with clients, their families and carers, case management and support teams; you will give advice on a wide range of practical and legal issues and undertake applications to the Court.

The successful candidate will have experience of a significant proportion of the following:

• Professional deputyship work, including if possible, high value and complex matters
• Applications to the Court of Protection
• Contested Court of Protection matters, preparing instructions to counsel, Court bundles etc.
• Advice to families regarding LPAs and Lay deputyship applications
• Investigation of financial abuse
• Knowledge of welfare issues affecting Protected Parties
• Knowledge of different care funding options including local authority and NHS funding
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
• 2 + years’ experience in Court of Protection/Property and Affairs, can be pre and post qualification;

Salary and benefits

• 25 days holiday
• Private Health following completion of a 3 month probationary period
• Subsidised gym membership
• Life insurance at 3 x salary
• Contributory pension scheme
• Attendance Bonus scheme
• Annual bonus of a week’s salary on firm hitting target
• Additional 1.5 day’s holiday at Christmas (combination of Christmas shopping/closing office at Christmas Eve).
• We will provide IT equipment and any furniture required to set up your home office. 

Salary range: Commensurate with experience and dependent upon qualifications 

Start date:      As soon as available. 

Applications to Jenny Roberts, Head of Operations and Compliance on jenny.roberts@hughjonessolicitors.co.uk with CV and covering email.