Job Purpose
To provide high-quality legal and administrative support to solicitors within the Children and Family Law Department, assisting in the delivery of legal services under the Legal Aid scheme, and also on Private basis. The role involves assisting in both public and private children law matters while ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements, court deadlines, and the firm's quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist solicitors in managing a caseload of children and family law matters, including
- Draft legal documents, including Witness statements, Court applications, Attendance notes, Letters of instruction, Briefs to counsel, and General legal correspondence
- Prepare court bundles in accordance with Family Procedure Rules and court requirements.
- Open and maintain client files
- Liaise with clients, counsel, courts, local authorities, Cafcass, experts and other professionals.
- Obtain instructions from clients and maintain regular communication throughout the progress of their case.
- Conduct legal research and prepare case summaries for solicitors.
- Manage solicitors' diaries, court dates, appointments and key deadlines
- Prepare Legal Aid applications, amendments and supporting documentation through the Client and Cost Management System (CCMS) where applicable.
- Ensure all files comply with Legal Aid Agency requirements, SQM standards and the firm's internal procedures.
- Assist with billing preparation and case closures
- Attend court hearings to assist Counsel and also attend conferences with counsel where required.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with GDPR, Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements and professional conduct obligations.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the Family Department.
Person Specification Essential
- Minimum 2 years' experience as a Paralegal within a Children and Family Law department.
- Previous experience working within a Legal Aid practice is not essential but preferred.
- Good understanding of public and private children law procedures.
- Experience preparing court documents and court bundles.
- Excellent client care and communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal English.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Competent in Microsoft Office and Adobe
Key Competencies
- Client-focused approach.
- Professional integrity and discretion.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organisational abilities.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to meeting court and Legal Aid deadlines.
- Ability to build positive working relationships with clients and external agencies.
Working Hours
Full-time: 35–37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Salary
Competitive, dependent upon qualifications and experience.
Benefits
- Pension scheme.
- Annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Professional development and training.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
Pay: £22,000.00-£27,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Birmingham, West Midlands: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Family Law Paralegal: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
