Health and Welfare Court of Protection Paralegal

To provide legal and administrative support to solicitors handling Court of Protection Health and Welfare matters and ensuring clients receive high-quality, compassionate, and effective legal representation.

A Health and Welfare Court of Protection Paralegal may assist with matters involving:

• Best interests decisions
• Deprivation of Liberty (DoLS and Liberty Protection Safeguards-related matters)
• Residence and care disputes
• Contact with family members
• Medical treatment decisions
• Serious medical treatment applications
• Safeguarding concerns
• Mental capacity assessments
• Challenges to local authority or NHS decisions.

This is a rewarding area of law that combines legal analysis with direct client interaction, advocacy, and multidisciplinary working to protect the rights and welfare of vulnerable individuals.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting solicitors with a caseload of Health and Welfare Court of Protection matters.
• Drafting court applications, witness statements, legal correspondence, attendance notes, and court bundles.
• Liaising with clients, family members, advocates, social workers, healthcare professionals, local authorities, and other agencies.
• Attending client meetings in hospitals, care homes, supported living settings, or clients' homes.
• Assisting with preparing cases for hearings and conferences with counsel.
• Managing files, maintain accurate records, and comply with regulatory and file management procedures.
• Monitoring court deadlines and ensure timely filing of documents.
• Handling new enquiries and assist with client onboarding.
• Supporting applications for legal aid where appropriate.
• Assisting with business development activities, networking, and maintaining professional relationships.
• Conducting legal research on relevant legislation and case law, including; The Mental Capacity Act 2005, The Mental Health Act 1983, The Care Act 2014 and Human rights and safeguarding law.

Key Requirements:

• Law degree, Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), or equivalent legal qualification.
• Must have at least 12 months experience assisting with Health & welfare Court of Protection matters
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to work empathetically with vulnerable clients.
• Professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and legal case management systems.
• Excellent knowledge of legal aid procedures.
• Experience attending court or client meetings.

Why Join Simpson Millar?

At Simpson Millar, you'll be part of a people-focused firm that is committed to delivering exceptional client care while supporting the development and wellbeing of its colleagues. We offer all level 2 employees:

• 26 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional days
• We pride ourselves on offering flexibility and a healthy work-life balance, our hybrid working policy requires employees to attend the office just twice per month, however most teams get together once per week and you're more than welcome to attend as much as you like, we encourage you to find the balance that works best for you.
• Opportunities for professional development, career progression and more

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Simpson Millar is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and given equal opportunity to succeed. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues can be themselves, thrive, and reach their full potential. We believe that diversity of thought, experience, and perspective makes us stronger and helps us better serve our clients, colleagues, and communities

Please note that we recruit on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to assess applications and make an appointment before the advertised closing date, therefore early applications are encouraged.