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 include:
* 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
To find out more about the work of our Court of Protection team, please note our page for internal information is available here.
About You
We’re 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 into what we’re all about at Stephensons.
What Can We Offer?
Click here to view further details of our benefits package.
* 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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