Paralegal - Family

Description:

As a Family Care Paralegal within the Family Team, you will provide comprehensive legal and administrative support to Solicitors and Legal Advisers working on public law children matters.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within Family Care law and gain hands-on experience in a busy and supportive legal environment.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
- Assist Solicitors and Legal Advisers with a range of Family Care matters, including care proceedings and pre-proceedings work.
- Support clients through sensitive and often emotionally challenging matters with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
- Progress delegated tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring work is completed within required timescales.
- Draft routine correspondence, legal documents, witness statements, chronologies, and applications for review.
- Liaise with clients, Courts, Local Authorities, Counsel, CAFCASS, experts, and other third parties as required.
- Attend Court and client meetings where appropriate.
- Open, maintain, and update client files using the firm's case management system.
- Ensure all documentation is filed, stored, and managed in line with firm procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate records, attendance notes, and case updates.
- Monitor and assist with meeting Court deadlines and case progression requirements.
- Assist with the preparation and management of Court bundles and supporting documentation.
- Prepare and format legal documents, forms, applications, statements, and correspondence.
- Ensure documents are accurate, professionally presented, and compliant with firm standards.
- Comply with all firm policies and procedures, including file management, client due diligence, and data protection requirements.
- Assist with preparing cost information and client communications where required.
- Record time accurately in line with departmental expectations.
- Support billing, Legal Aid administration, and other administrative processes as appropriate.
- Assist with the management of disbursements and Court-related expenses where required.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Relevant legal qualification (e.g. Law Degree, LPC, SQE, CILEX or equivalent) or relevant practical experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work to strict deadlines.
- Professional, client-focused approach with high levels of integrity and confidentiality.
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and case management systems.
- Ability to work independently on delegated tasks and as part of a team.
- Previous experience working within Family Law
- Experience of care proceedings
- Experience preparing Court bundles and legal documentation.
- Experience supporting vulnerable clients and handling sensitive matters.
- Familiarity with Court procedures and deadlines.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between offices, Courts, and client meetings where required.

BENEFITS:
Salary: £26,000 - £28,000
Pension, DIS. Business Events, Hybrid Working

THE CONSULTANCY:
Edwards & Pearce acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Edwards & Pearce is an Equal Opportunities Employer