About the role
We have an opportunity for a paralegal to join Leanne Devine's Liverpool based practice, supporting her and an Associate Solicitor with a varied caseload. The team represents bereaved families in inquests, inquiries and related investigations where the circumstances of their loved one's death involves the state. This may involve prison, police and mental health detention, police contact prior to the death, community mental health and multi-agency failures involving homicide and self inflicted deaths involving domestic abuse. In addition to inquests and inquiry work the team undertakes judicial reviews and claims under the Human Rights Act 1998 on behalf of bereaved families.
Overall purpose for this role
- To provide a reliable and efficient support service primarily to a senior solicitor in respect of a busy caseload of cases within the Human Rights team (comprising Inquests, judicial reviews and claims brought under the Human Rights Act 1998 on behalf of bereaved families and to assist with general administration of the caseload.
- To undertake a wide variety of paralegal and administrative tasks as set out below. You will also be required to undertake other ad-hoc duties as required from time to time.
- Candidates should be aware that the caseload involves acting for bereaved families involving deaths in circumstances including suicide and homicide. The team provide training and support on vicarious trauma. However, the role does require emotional resilience.
The full job description is linked from our website listing.
What you'll bring
Essential
- We are seeking a candidate with experience in assisting in cases representing Interested Persons at Inquests and/or experience in legal aid funding.
- Genuine interest in and passion for public law and human rights; building a career in this field and passionate about providing access to justice to all.
- Relevant legal qualifications (LLB or GDL or LPC or LLM or MA in law or relevant field) and / or relevant experience.
- Demonstrable experience in drafting legal documentation and correspondence, sorting and reviewing financial records.
- Experience in legal and evidential research.
- Experience in interviewing clients, dealing sensitively, taking witness statements and managing difficult situations and conversations.
- Demonstrable ability to build trust and confidence with vulnerable and marginalised client groups.
- Proven ability to communicate accurately, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing with a wide range of clients and various stakeholders.
- Proven ability to organise and prioritise a complex workload and work to tight deadlines whilst maintaining a positive attitude.
- Proven ability to work and contribute in a team environment.
- Demonstrable experience in using a variety of IT packages (MS Word, Excel, Case Management Systems, Outlook, PDF editing and bundling software).
- Proven ability to be self-sufficient in relation to administration, typing and IT requirements.
Desirable
- Experience in legal and evidential research.
- Experience in interviewing clients and taking witness statements.
- Demonstrable experience in drafting legal documentation and correspondence, sorting and reviewing client records, including excellent attention to detail.
- Proven ability in dealing sensitively with clients and managing difficult situations and conversations.
- Experience in human rights law and/or judicial review would be an advantage but not essential.
- Experience in conducting litigation from first instruction through to settlement/trial.
About Leigh Day
We are a top 100 law firm committed to claimant-only cases, ensuring that individuals have the same access to justice as the UK Government and large corporations. We're not afraid to take on difficult and challenging cases involving medical negligence, serious personal injuries, discrimination in the workplace, defective products and human rights abuses in this country and overseas.
Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Hybrid working (typically 2-3 days from home for a full time worker)
- 29 days annual leave (excluding public holidays)
- Enhanced pension contributions
- Life assurance 4 x salary
- Healthcare cash plan
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
- Electric car scheme
