Senior Associate - Private Client

Your Future At Higgs Job title Associate/Senior Associate Department Private Client – Court of Protection Our Purpose To forge long-term relationships that have a positive impact on our people, our clients, our business partners, and our communities. Our Commitment to Our People We do not think there is a magic formula to the Higgs culture. The key is to listen to and respect our people. If we take care of our people and our people take care of our clients, then everything we want as a firm will take care of itself. We are friendly and open to new ideas. Our Core Values Higgs core values are “CLEAR” – Care, Legacy, Excellence, Authenticity, Relationships Role Purpose We are looking for an Associate/Senior Associate for our Court of Protection team, you will be responsible for managing a diverse and complex caseload involving property and financial affairs and, where applicable, health and welfare matters. The role includes advising deputies, attorneys, trustees, and family members on issues relating to mental capacity, best interests, and safeguarding, in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Responsibilities include handling deputyship applications, contested proceedings, statutory wills, and the ongoing administration of deputyship files. The role requires building strong relationships with vulnerable clients and professional stakeholders, delivering clear, pragmatic, and compassionate advice. In addition, you will provide supervision and mentoring to less experienced lawyers, support business development initiatives, and contributes to the strategic growth of the Court of Protection team. Key Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload of Court of Protection matters, including property and financial affairs and, where relevant, health and welfare cases
• Advise clients, deputies, attorneys, and families on mental capacity, best interests, and safeguarding issues in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Prepare and progress deputyship applications, contested proceedings, and statutory will applications
• Oversee the administration of deputyship files, including reporting obligations and financial management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, medical professionals, case managers, and other stakeholders
• Supervise, mentor, and support less experienced lawyers and trainees within the team
• Contribute to business development activities, networking, and the growth of the Court of Protection practice
• Ensure high standards of client care, compliance, and risk management across all matters Person Specification We use a set of criteria to ensure our recruitment process is fair and consistent. These criteria describe the skills, behaviours and attributes that are essential for success in this role. The criteria below will be assessed via application (A), interview (I), Test (T) or multiple i.e. (A/I/T). Essential Criteria
• Demonstrates initiative by staying informed of developments in their practice area and wider sector. Actively applies this knowledge to deliver high-quality outcomes and supports shared learning within the team through clear communication and collaboration. (A/I)
• Applies knowledge of the firm's policies, regulatory, and accreditation requirements. Demonstrates commercial awareness by supporting efficient working practices, identifying risks, and contributing to the overall financial health of the team and matters. (A/I)
• Delivers excellent client service by producing accurate, timely work and anticipating client needs. Acts as a brand advocate by building strong relationships, representing the firm professionally and contributing to business development initiatives that enhance the firm's reputation and growth. (A/I)
• Supports the smooth running and performance of the team by planning and allocating work effectively, responding positively to change, and assisting with performance improvement. Builds strong working relationships and encourages a consistent, collaborative approach across the team. (A/I)
• Takes responsibility for delivering high standards of work. Remains positive and professional during periods of change or challenge, contributes constructively to team initiatives, and seeks ongoing development to enhance performance. (A/I) Technical Know How
• Proficient in using Microsoft 365 applications What We Offer You Higgs offers hybrid working wherever possible. Our Higgs' Best FIT (flexible, inclusive, together) principles are designed to ensure that people can complete their best work from the most appropriate location. If you are looking to work flexibly then let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate your request. We also encourage a ‘dress for your diary' approach which means dressing in a manner appropriate for your schedule or the specific appointments you have on any given day.

We recognise that inclusion is an ongoing journey, and we regularly review and publish our diversity data, which can be accessed here. People Driven. Legal Excellence. Apply now