Job Description

We are looking for Solicitors, Legal Executives or experienced Paralegals to help grow our busy Family Law team to work on a full-time basis, to ensure we are able to meet increasing client demand.

Although training will be given, we are looking for someone with excellent client care skills who is able to work on their own caseload immediately.

The roles are office based at our Stockton-on-Tees site.

The salary for the role is based on the position the candidate is most suited to and experience.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Paralegal

Develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and clients. Attend PLO and Advocate meetings on behalf of fee earners and take attendance notes. Assist in progressing Legal Help matters by chasing potential clients for income and Domestic Violence evidence. Open Legal Help files and ensure conflict checks have been completed. Apply for funding via CCMS. Assist in negotiating contact arrangements between parties. Draft warning letters, correspondence, and court documents including: Divorce petitions Statements Children Act applications Non-molestation and occupation applications

Additional Duties for Legal Executive

Build strong working relationships with Refuges, Experts, Solicitors, and Counsel. Instruct experts, including drafting letters of instruction. Draft additional legal documents such as Consent Orders and Financial Statements. Prepare Instructions/Briefs to Counsel, Trial Bundles, and Indexes. Complete Legal Help and Public Funding Forms and assess eligibility. Attend court to represent clients, including directions and contested hearings where appropriate. Promptly bill files and manage billing processes. Manage own caseload efficiently, considering cost and chargeable time targets. Supervise and manage allocated support staff. Comply with Money Laundering obligations. Attend departmental meetings and work collaboratively as part of the Family team. Ensure CPD is kept up to date. Apply for Panel Memberships as requested by line manager.

Additional Duties for Solicitor

Expected to hold (or be working toward) the

Law Society Children Law Accreditation

. Represent both own clients and those of other fee earners in court, including contested hearings.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Paralegal

Experience in a Family Law department. Existing legal qualification or willingness to work towards one. Knowledge of good business practices with ability to implement effective systems and procedures. Strong oral and written communication skills. Excellent time management, organisation, and prioritisation. Commitment to providing prompt, high-quality client service. Excellent PC and keyboard skills.

Additional Skills for Legal Executive

Thorough working knowledge of Family Law and experience handling a range of client matters. Good interpersonal and organisational skills. Competence in risk management and regulatory compliance (e.g. money laundering, data protection). Strong file management procedures. Up-to-date knowledge of legal developments. Supervisory skills. Experience using Case Management systems.

Additional Skills for Solicitor

Knowledge of public funding provisions.

Person Specification

Paralegal, Legal Executive and Solicitor

Strong customer focus. Self-motivated with a positive, can-do attitude. Flexibility and adaptability. High standards of confidentiality and discretion. Proactive approach and willingness to use initiative. Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme Private medical insurance Referral programme Sick pay
Experience:

Family Law or other relevant: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person