Location: Chester (office-based, full-time)
Salary: £26,000 – £30,000 (depending on experience)
Progression: Clear pathway to Senior Paralegal, Legal Advisor and funded qualification (SQE / CILEX)
About the role
We are recruiting an Employment Law Paralegal to join our advisory team, based full time at our Chester office.
This is a hands-on, office-based role designed to provide close mentoring, real-time feedback and accelerated development. You will work alongside experienced employment law advisors and solicitors, learning how to deliver clear, practical employment law advice to business owners. This is not a traditional law firm paralegal role.
What you’ll be doing
During your first 3 months, you will:
* Work closely with and support an associate solicitor or senior legal advisor
* Draft employment law advice and client correspondence
* Assist with disciplinary, grievance and dismissal processes
* Learn our advisory frameworks, templates and escalation rules
As you develop, you will:
* Begin advising smaller employers under supervision
* Take ownership of low-risk employment law matters
* Draft clear, commercial advice in plain English
* Progress towards independent advisory responsibility
Who this role is for
This role is ideal for someone who:
* Has a law degree
* Wants structured, in-person training and daily access to senior advisors
* Is comfortable working in a professional office environment
* Enjoys practical problem-solving rather than academic legal work
* Is serious about building a long-term career in employment law
You will be trusted with real responsibility early on and expected to take ownership of your work, with support and supervision as you develop.
You do not need previous employment law experience – full training is provided.
Who this role is not for
This role is unlikely to suit someone who:
* Is looking for a remote or hybrid junior role
* Wants a traditional law firm training contract
* Prefers purely academic or research-based legal work
* Is uncomfortable giving practical advice to employers
Skills and attributes we’re looking for:
Essential
* Excellent written English
* Clear, structured thinking
* Confidence communicating with business owners
* Willingness to learn quickly and take responsibility
Desirable
* Employment law modules or a strong interest in employment law
* LPC or SQE preparation (not essential)
* Previous advisory, HR or client-facing experience
Training and progression
You will receive:
* Structured employment law training delivered in-house
* Close, day-to-day supervision and mentoring
* Clear escalation and decision-making frameworks
* Regular reviews with defined progression milestones
There is a clear progression pathway to:
* Senior Paralegal
* Legal Advisor / Consultant
* Funded qualification (SQE or CILEX), subject to performance
Salary and benefits
* £26,000 – £30,000 starting salary
* Clear salary progression linked to responsibility and capability
* Full-time, office-based role in Chester
* Supportive, professional working environment
* Long-term career development and qualification support
How to apply
To apply, please submit:
* Your CV
* A short written response (maximum 300 words) answering: “How would you explain unfair dismissal to a business owner with no legal background?”
Applications without a written response will not be considered.