The vacancy

We are looking for a solicitor or experienced caseworker to join our Mental Health team. Atkins & Palmer is a growing firm and the role has excellent opportunities for career development, as well as a friendly team and supportive work environment.

About the firm

Atkins & Palmer is a specialist Court of Protection and mental health law firm. Our office is in Chiswick, south west London.

The role

You will work within our mental health team managing a caseload of mental health matters. You will be expected to carry out the usual tasks when running a case; for example, meeting with clients, corresponding with professionals or family members, reviewing medical records, advocacy before the First-tier Tribunal, attending Hospital Managers Hearings or CPA meetings.  There will be a need to travel to visit clients in hospital.

You will receive a thorough induction and appropriate support from a designated supervisor to enable you to succeed and feel comfortable in carrying out the role.  As well as managing a caseload, you will be involved in marketing to continue to raise the profile of the firm and expand the client base. You will also have a learning and development plan with opportunities to work towards legal aid supervisor status where appropriate.

The ideal candidate

The following is essential:

• A qualified solicitor, with an experience level of newly qualified or above, or an experienced caseworker
• Holds the Law Society mental health accreditation
• A solid understanding of matters arising from the Mental Health Act 1983, Tribunal Procedure Rules, SRA regulations and legal aid contract requirements
• Experience of conducting advocacy
• Excellent client care skills and experience of working with vulnerable clients
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

The following is desirable:

• Meets the Legal Aid Agency supervisor status in the category of mental health law
• Experience of Court of Protection work
• A driving licence

Salary

The guide salary band for this role is £32,000 – £45,000, dependent on level of experience.

Location

The role is based in our office in Chiswick, south west London.

Benefits

We offer the following benefits:

• 25 days holiday
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay
• Enhanced sick leave pay
• Birthday leave
• Miscarriage leave
• Enhanced child bereavement leave pay
• Paid time off work for volunteering

Start date

As soon as possible, but this can be flexible to suit a successful candidate.

Application & interview

To apply for this role, please send your CV and a covering letter to enquiry@atkinsandpalmer.co.uk

Your covering letter should set out how you meet the essential experience and skills for the role as set out in this advert. You should also include any additional experience and skills you would bring to the role. The interviews will take place at our office in Chiswick, south west London.