Role: Paralegal - Discrimination
Office Base: Wigan, WN3 5BA. Ability to combine home and office 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 looking to accelerate 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?
Yes? Then we have an opportunity for you.
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 cost‑effectively and supportively.
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.
We also look for individuals who embody our brand values: approachable, flexible, inclusive, resilient, and supportive.
The Team
Details about our Discrimination team and Maria Chadwick, Partner can be found on our website.
Why Stephensons?
Stephensons is an award‑winning, top‑150 law firm accredited as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2025, with a strong commitment to future growth and development. With an ambitious mindset, yet approachable and down‑to‑earth attitude, Stephensons provides an exciting place for long‑term career development and progression. We also have a strong commitment to work‑life balance and flexibility.
What Else Can We Offer?
* Flexible working arrangements
* Agile/remote working
* Well‑being package (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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