Solicitor

We are recruiting a Qualified Solicitor to join a busy medium sized legal practice in the Dublin 7 area. Due to increased volume of workload, we are recruiting a Solicitor who will be client facing and work between two areas – Family Law & ADMC. Some background/experience in advocacy or wardship would be beneficial and experience in a Court setting. A car may be required as some court work is outside the Dublin area.

Great experience will be gained in Family law working on a varied caseload to do with matters like : Judicial separation/divorce, child custody/guardianship, maintenance, cohabitation disputes, Financial & property matters, domestic violence. There is an opportunity to work with very experienced Legal Professionals.

This role will also support the ADMC area, supporting clients and liaising with counsel on their behalf. Attending court.

Key Responsibilities

Advisory Work

• Advise clients, family members, healthcare professionals and decision supporters on the provisions of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
• Advise on issues relating to legal capacity, decision-making supports and safeguarding.
• Provide guidance on the rights of relevant persons under the Act.
• Interpret and apply DSS guidance, codes of practice and court decisions.

Decision Support Arrangements

• Draft and advise on:
• Decision-Making Assistance Agreements.
• Co-Decision-Making Agreements.
• Decision-Making Representative applications.
• Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs).
• Advance Healthcare Directives.
• Assist with registration requirements before the Decision Support Service.
• Review arrangements to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Court and Tribunal Work

• Prepare Circuit Court and High Court applications under the Act.
• Represent clients in capacity-related proceedings.
• Prepare affidavits, grounding documentation and court submissions.
• Liaise with counsel, medical experts and other professional witnesses.
• Advise on appeals and reviews of DSS or court decisions.

Wardship Discharge Applications

• Advise existing Wards of Court and their families on discharge from wardship.
• Manage applications transitioning individuals from wardship into the new decision-support framework.
• Coordinate with medical practitioners and DSS representatives regarding capacity assessments.

Vulnerable Client Representation

• Meet and take instructions from elderly and vulnerable clients.
• Ensure clients’ will and preferences are respected and appropriately documented.
• Assess legal issues arising from safeguarding concerns, undue influence, abuse or exploitation.
• Work alongside social workers, occupational therapists, healthcare professionals and advocates where appropriate.

Enduring Powers of Attorney

• Draft and execute EPAs.
• Advise donors and attorneys regarding their legal obligations.
• Assist with registration and activation procedures.
• Resolve disputes concerning attorneys’ powers and responsibilities.

Healthcare and Capacity Issues

• Advise on consent to treatment matters.
• Advise healthcare providers on capacity assessments and legal requirements.
• Provide guidance on Advance Healthcare Directives and healthcare decision-making.

Compliance and Regulatory Matters

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of DSS procedures and legislative developments.
• Ensure compliance with:
• Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
• Decision Support Service regulations.
• GDPR and confidentiality requirements.
• Law Society regulations.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in Ireland with a current practising certificate.
• Open to newly qualified Solicitors with some relevant experience.
• Experience in private client, elder law, healthcare law, mental health law, probate or capacity law.
• Strong understanding of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly when dealing with vulnerable clients.

Desirable

• Experience dealing with the Decision Support Service.
• Experience in Circuit Court applications.
• Experience in wardship discharge matters.

Salary negotiable.