Overview
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
* 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
About You
Were 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?
* 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
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