Paralegal – Employment / HR
No agencies please
Location: Preston or Manchester
Harrison‑Drury is a market‑leading firm of solicitors with offices in Lancashire, Cumbria and Staffordshire. We’re delighted to be named one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For for the third year running, placing at number 40 in the Top 100 Best Mid‑Sized Companies to Work For list. We also ranked 10th in the Best Companies to Work For in the Law sector — achievements that reflect our commitment to creating a supportive, people‑focused workplace.
We challenge the conventional law‑firm model and focus our energy on delivering outstanding results for clients while attracting, developing and supporting brilliant people.
🌟 About the Team
Harrison Drury provides clients with access to a highly experienced team of employment lawyers and specialist HR professionals who support the full spectrum of employment law and HR matters — from day‑to‑day people issues to complex projects and defending employment litigation.
Our combined HR and legal expertise means our advice is aligned, pragmatic and commercially focused, helping clients minimise risk and avoid disputes wherever possible. We work closely with retained clients as an extension of their in‑house teams, supporting them across the entire employment lifecycle — from onboarding and contractual documentation through to performance, employee relations, restructuring and exit.
The team’s services include:
Employment litigation and tribunals
HR consultancy
HR Compass
Employment Rights Bill guidance
Redundancy and restructuring support
Contractual and policy documentation
Ongoing advisory support across all people‑management matters
We pride ourselves on building long‑term relationships, understanding each client’s operational needs and delivering clear, jargon‑free advice that works in practice.
📌 The Role
This is a varied and hands‑on role supporting the Employment/HR team. Responsibilities include:
* Managing and maintaining critical dates diaries
* Coordinating with wider team, Solicitors, Exec admin etc
* Providing administrative support to retained and new clients
* Handling second‑sift new enquiries and preparing summaries for allocation
* Routine matter management: opening, ID checks, document production, closing and archiving
* Filing documents, scans and copies
* Producing bundles and meeting packs
* Supporting the billing process and preparing billing guides
* Liaising with Finance on accounting activities
* Drafting routine documents under supervision
* Supporting the HR Consultant and Solicitors on cases
* Attending client meetings and taking minutes
* Contributing to operational improvements, including maintaining the department manual
* Supporting the HR Compass retained client product
* Conducting research for team members
* Working flexibly to meet client and team needs
🧩 Skills & Experience
* Excellent written and verbal communication
* Strong attention to detail
* Good organisation and planning skills
* Self‑motivated with a desire to learn and progress
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Desirable:
* Administration experience, ideally within an HR environment
* Telephone contact with clients
* Experience in a law firm or professional practice
🎁 Benefits
At Harrison Drury, we believe in rewarding our people and supporting their wellbeing.
Benefits include:
Employee bonus scheme and annual pay review
Medicash health benefits cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Holiday entitlement increases with length of service
Paid time off for voluntary work (2 days per year)
Free conveyancing for the purchase/sale of your primary residence
Free individual or mirror Wills
Employee referral scheme
Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process
Regular social events, including our annual Christmas party and staff recognition awards
🌱 Why Join Us?
Be part of an award‑winning, people‑focused firm
Work alongside recognised experts in Employment and HR
Enjoy a supportive culture that invests in your development and wellbeing
Make a real impact within a growing and ambitious team
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