Legal Administrator

If you do not have a will or you do not keep it up to date, countless problems can arise for those you leave behind. Your assets may be eroded through tax or your heirs may not actually receive what you wish to pass onto them.

Proper planning in your lifetime can help you resolve the difficulties of how to pass on the family home/business and other assets, whilst preserving your family's wealth. You may also need specialist advice where foreign assets and domicile are concerned and in providing for disabled relatives and second families. IBB's expert lawyers can guide you through the complex issues which need to be addressed.

Three solicitors are members of the Court of Protection's panel of professional deputies.  We have niche expertise on applications to the Court of Protection and significant experience advising on issues affecting the elderly and individuals with a disability as well and those caring for them.

This is a fee earning administrative role supporting and working with partners and lawyers in the Court of Protection team, each of whom has a caseload including both routine and more complex legal work in this area.

1. Legal tasks as required including:

• Drafting documents including deputy applications, Trustee Act applications, deputy reports, lasting powers of attorney, witness statements
• Recording chargeable and investment time
• Preparing correspondence and documents on Court of Protection Wills Trusts Probate and Lasting Power of Attorney matters
• Liaising with clients and others by email, telephone and in person
• Assisting the Court of Protection fee earners
• Checking lengthy documentation and proofreading as required
• Completing legal forms
• Paying bills on behalf of clients
• Submitting costs applications

2. Administrative tasks to include:

• File opening in accordance with IBB procedures to include data input, completion of internal forms and procedures, preparation of anti-money laundering documentation, setting up the paper file and file labels, preparing the initial letters for fee earner review
• File closing in accordance with IBB procedures to include data input, checking ledger balances, filleting files, returning client documents, completion of internal forms
• Preparation of bills in accordance with IBB procedures, to include collating disbursement receipts, liaising with accounts and preparing all documentation to be sent to the client in accordance with defined procedures
• Filing time sheets, incoming correspondence, outgoing copies, invoices, reports and paper files in/out of the filing system. Assisting with file checking and organising in preparation for semi-annual quality audits.
• Checking deeds in and out of the deeds storage facility. Collecting deeds from the floor and returning them to storage.
• Printing, scanning, copying documents. Generally liaising with the document management centre on document production/collation tasks.
• Ad hoc data input as and when required (CRM and PMS)
• Maintaining Court of Protection calendar

3.           Any other duties as and when required.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level standard or equivalent, preferably in law.

Skills and Experiences

• Previous experience working in this area of law in an administrative capacity in professional services is advantageous
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience of using a legal Practice Management System is a distinct advantage
• Strong communication skills
• Highly literate and numerate with the ability to read and assimilate complex written information
• Strong legal research skills
• Focussed on accuracy and attention to detail with the ability to proof-read
• Well organised and able to work to deadlines and guidelines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A high level of IT proficiency
• Good time management skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively independently or as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Willingness to proactivity take ownership of own learning and development
• Commercial awareness