Paralegal - Discrimination
Office Base: Wigan, WN3 5BA
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Requirement to work until 6pm once per week (lieu time accrued).
* Are you a law graduate looking for an exciting, new opportunity?
* Or are you an experienced paralegal looking to accelerate in your career?
* How would you like to work within our expert Discrimination team?
* What about working for a well‑respected, Sunday Times Best Place to Work and Investors in People Gold firm that genuinely cares about your career and development?
Main purpose of the job
You will be supporting our specialist Discrimination team by taking and managing initial enquiries, assessing the merits of new matters, and assisting solicitors in the progression of complex discrimination cases. Your work will span both Employment Tribunal and Civil discrimination matters, helping clients navigate often sensitive and challenging situations in a cost‑effective and supportive way.
Key responsibilities
* Attending and advising clients predominantly on discrimination issues, and wider employment matters where appropriate.
* Taking and processing new instructions.
* Assessing the merits of potential discrimination claims and advising clients accordingly.
* Drafting clear and accurate advice documents.
* Managing Legal Help enquiries.
* Assisting with both Employment Tribunal and Civil discrimination procedures.
* Providing guidance and support to other staff where required.
* Supporting solicitors with effective case management including:
o Drafting pleadings, statements and letters of claim.
o Preparing instructions to counsel.
o Arranging and attending conferences and hearings.
o Assisting with protocol steps and advocacy preparation.
o Handling funding documentation and document requests.
* Recording and managing work in progress and ensuring time is accurately captured.
* Meeting chargeable and non‑chargeable hour targets under supervision.
* Carrying out administrative duties as appropriate.
* Complying with client care and complaints procedures to minimise negligence risk and maintain regulatory standards.
What makes this role great?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a knowledgeable, specialist and well‑respected Discrimination team, where you will be exposed to a wide range of interesting and meaningful cases. You’ll work closely with experienced solicitors, developing core legal skills, gaining hands‑on experience, and building a strong foundation for a long‑term career in discrimination and employment law.
About you
We’re looking for someone who is:
* Highly adaptable and flexible.
* Able to work independently or collaboratively.
* Calm under pressure and confident when dealing with challenging matters.
* Committed, hard‑working and discreet.
* Approachable, patient and polite.
* Genuinely interested in discrimination and employment law.
Essential
* Law degree (2:1 or above) or relevant legal work experience.
* Excellent organisation and time‑management skills.
* Strong research skills.
* High standard of written and verbal communication, including a professional telephone manner.
* Strong attention to detail.
* Demonstrated interest in discrimination and/or employment law.
Desirable
* Experience working or studying in discrimination, employment, or civil litigation.
Our values
We also look for individuals who embody our brand values: approachable, flexible, inclusive, resilient, and supportive.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements.
* Agile/remote working.
* Well‑being package inc (financial, physical, mental and dietary health support).
* Free parking.
* Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
* Life Assurance.
* Competitive salary and holiday entitlement.
* Holiday sale & purchase scheme.
* Season ticket & travel support.
* Payroll giving scheme.
* Social events & clubs.
* Internal referral scheme.
* Retail vouchers/cashback schemes.
* Free eye tests.
* Cycle to work scheme.
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