Paralegal - Court of Protection (Health & Welfare)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Dependant on experience
Office base: Wigan, WN3 5BA - hybrid working after a period of training
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Are you a law graduate looking for an exciting new opportunity?
Or an experienced paralegal wanting to accelerate your career?
How would you like to work within our specialist Court of Protection (Health & Welfare) team?
What about joining a well‑respected, Sunday Times Best Place to Work and Investors in People Gold firm that genuinely cares about your development?
Yes? Then we have an opportunity for you
The Role
As a Paralegal in our Court of Protection department (Health & Welfare team), you'll support solicitors working on complex and cutting‑edge cases relating to decision‑making, capacity, deprivation of liberty and best‑interests disputes. The work is fast‑paced, varied and extremely rewarding, with the opportunity to work directly with vulnerable clients in care homes and other settings.
You'll play a key role in progressing cases, preparing legal documentation, corresponding with clients and professionals, and supporting the team at hearings, conferences and meetings. Clear processes, supervision and a genuinely supportive environment will help you grow and thrive in this evolving area of law.
Key responsibilities include:
Assisting solicitors with progressing cases, including preparing instructions to counsel and experts
Arranging and attending conferences and meetings
Undertaking legal research
Collating, reviewing and organising evidence
Corresponding with clients, experts, professionals, colleagues and the Legal Aid Agency
Preparing and submitting Legal Aid applications
Preparing applications and key court documentation
Visiting vulnerable clients in care homes and other settings
Attending conferences, meetings and court hearings with counsel
Ensuring full compliance with client care, case management procedures and GDPR
Completing delegated tasks within required timescales
Supporting colleagues and contributing to an effective team environment
To find out more about the work of our Court of Protection team, please click here.
About You
We're looking for someone who is:
Highly adaptable and flexible
Able to work independently and as part of a team
Calm under pressure and confident when working in challenging environments
Committed, hard‑working and discreet
Approachable, patient and polite
Genuinely interested in developing a career within Court of Protection and community care law
Essential:
Law degree (2:1) or relevant work experience
A‑Levels
5 GCSEs including English and Maths (grade C / 4 or above)
Strong written and drafting skills
Excellent attention to detail
Strong organisational and time‑management skills
Confident communication skills, including a professional telephone manner
Ability to work to tight deadlines
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Current clean full driving licence with access to a car
Desirable:
Previous experience within Court of Protection, community care or other public law areas
Experience of using a case management system
We also look for individuals who embody our brand values: approachable, flexible, inclusive, resilient and supportive.
Why Stephensons?
Stephensons is an award‑winning, top‑150 law firm with a strong commitment to growth, training and development. We offer a supportive environment where you can build your career while maintaining a healthy work‑life balance.
Why not click here to see why you should come and work for us - and here's a brief insight from our Managing Partner, Sean Joyce, into what we're all about at Stephensons.
What Can We Offer?
Click here to view further details of our benefits package.
Generous annual leave package (increases with service)
Salary sacrifice pension scheme
Early monthly pay scheme
Life assurance
Hybrid working
Holiday sale & purchase scheme*
Well‑being package (financial, physical & mental health support)
Free parking
Enhanced maternity & paternity pay*
Will writing service*
Season ticket & travel support
Payroll giving scheme
Social events & clubs
Reward & recognition schemes
Internal referral scheme
Retail vouchers/cashback schemes
Free eye tests
Cycle to work scheme
Service length conditions apply