Job Title: Court of Protection Paralegal (Legal Aid)
Department: Court of Protection
Location: Nottingham / Derby (with occasional outreach and court attendance)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £25,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Job Purpose
Lawstop, an expanding legal aid law practice, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Court of Protection Paralegal to join our friendly and supportive team.
The role supports fee earners in delivering high-quality legal services to vulnerable clients, including individuals who lack capacity, under the Legal Aid scheme. You will assist with a varied caseload of health and welfare Court of Protection matters, ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements and firm procedures.
This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated individual with previous legal experience who is looking to develop a long-term career within a fast-paced, socially focused legal aid practice.
Key Responsibilities
Casework & Client Support
- Assist solicitors with Court of Protection health and welfare matters
- Conduct initial client interviews (in person or via video call) and take detailed instructions
- Draft routine correspondence, legal documents, and witness statements
- Prepare court bundles in line with court requirements
- Attend client meetings, outreach locations, and court hearings (with counsel where required)
- Liaise with clients, family members, litigation friends, medical professionals, experts, and external agencies
- Instruct counsel and experts (e.g. psychologists/psychiatrists)
- Maintain accurate attendance notes and case records
- Conduct legal research where required
Legal Aid & Compliance
- Assist with Legal Aid applications (Legal Help and Controlled Legal Representation)
- Support reporting requirements to the Legal Aid Agency
- Ensure files are maintained in line with LAA requirements and firm auditing standards
- Assist with time recording and preparation of bills for assessment
- Ensure all case files are accurately maintained and closed in a timely manner to support efficient billing processes
- Comply with firm policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
Client Care & Communication
- Provide a sensitive, professional, and empathetic service to vulnerable clients
- Maintain regular communication with clients and stakeholders
- Handle enquiries efficiently and escalate complex issues appropriately
- Work with patience, tact, and professionalism at all times
Administrative Duties
- Manage files, correspondence, and document management systems
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records
- Support diary management and hearing preparation
- Provide general administrative support to the department
Person SpecificationEssential
- Previous experience as a paralegal or legal assistant (Court of Protection, public law, community care, housing, immigration, education or similar desirable)
- Strong academic background (Law degree LLB or equivalent)
- Experience working with vulnerable clients
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- High level of attention to detail
- Self-motivated, mature, and able to take initiative
- Driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable
- Previous Legal Aid experience
- Understanding of Legal Aid Agency procedures and compliance requirements
- Knowledge of Court of Protection and mental capacity principles
- Experience preparing court bundles and assisting at hearings
- Familiarity with case management systems
Key Competencies
- Client-focused and empathetic approach
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Initiative and problem-solving ability
- Ability to manage competing priorities
- Professional integrity and confidentiality
- Ability to quickly absorb legal information and conduct research
Key Duties Summary
- Client meetings (in person, video, and outreach locations)
- Taking instructions and advising clients
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Preparing court bundles
- Legal aid applications and reporting
- Liaising with solicitors, experts, and external bodies
- Attending court with counsel (in person or remote)
- Time recording and file management
Benefits
- Salary £25,000 per annum
- Full-time, permanent position
- Work from home flexibility (where applicable)
- Legal Aid training and ongoing development opportunities
- Support for professional development and career progression
Why Join Lawstop?
Lawstop is a specialist legal aid firm driven by social justice, committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and delivering high-quality legal services.
We offer:
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- Exposure to complex and meaningful casework
- Ongoing training and development
- Genuine opportunity to make a real difference in clients’ lives
- A diverse and inclusive workplace culture
Additional Information
- Occasional travel required for court hearings and client meetings
- The successful candidate will be subject to relevant background checks
- Lawstop is committed to equal opportunities and diversity
- Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process
- All recruitment processes comply fully with GDPR and applicable legislation
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Nottingham NG1
