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Childcare Paralegal

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TipTopJob

23d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Junior Level
  • Legal
  • Sunderland

AI generated summary

  • You need 1+ years' experience, strong drafting/organizational skills, empathy with clients, and a law-related qualification. IT proficiency and a desire for a career in child protection law are essential.
  • You will support Fee Earners in public law children matters, prepare court documents, manage case timetables, liaise with clients and authorities, and ensure compliance with legal standards.

Requirements

  • JOB TITLE: Childcare Paralegal
  • PQE REQUIRED: 1+
  • LOCATION: Sunderland
  • SALARY: c GBP 30,000 (DOE)
  • The successful candidate will demonstrate strong drafting and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and prepare accurate court documentation within a fast paced legal environment. Previous experience in family law, local authority work or legal aid matters would be advantageous, although it is not essential as full training will be provided. The ideal candidate will be confident communicating with vulnerable clients and multi-agency professionals and will adopt a calm, empathetic and professional approach at all times. A law degree, GDL, CILEX or equivalent qualification would be desirable, alongside strong IT proficiency and experience using case management systems and e-bundling software. The firm is particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate commitment, resilience and a genuine desire to build a career in child protection law, with a clear progression pathway towards qualification as a Child Care Solicitor and potential future membership of the Law Society Children's Panel.

Responsibilities

  • The Paralegal will provide specialist support to Fee Earners across a broad range of public law children matters, including care proceedings under the Children Act 1989, pre-proceedings under the Public Law Outline and urgent applications such as emergency protection orders, supervision orders and special guardianship orders.
  • The role will involve assisting with the preparation, filing and service of court documents including statements, chronologies, threshold documents, Scott Schedules, position statements and trial bundles in accordance with the Family Procedure Rules 2010 and PD27A.
  • The successful candidate will be responsible for managing case timetables, tracking deadlines and ensuring compliance with all court orders and procedural requirements.
  • The role will also include drafting attendance notes, instructions to counsel and experts and PLO correspondence.
  • The Paralegal will liaise regularly with vulnerable clients, local authorities, CAFCASS, Children's Guardians, counsel and experts, ensuring a trauma-informed and sensitive approach at all times.
  • The position will also involve the collation and management of evidence, preparation of e-bundles, compliance with disclosure and data protection obligations and assistance with Legal Aid funding applications and CCMS processes.
  • The role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and the ability to maintain full file compliance in line with SRA and regulatory standards.

FAQs

What qualifications are required for the Childcare Paralegal position?

A law degree, GDL, CILEX, or an equivalent qualification is desirable, although previous experience in family law or legal aid matters isn't essential as full training will be provided.

What type of work will the Childcare Paralegal be involved in?

The Paralegal will support Fee Earners with public law children matters, including care proceedings, pre-proceedings, and urgent applications such as emergency protection orders.

What skills are important for a successful candidate?

Strong drafting and organisational skills, the ability to manage competing deadlines, excellent attention to detail, and strong IT proficiency are essential.

Is previous experience in family law required?

No, previous experience is not essential as full training will be provided, although it would be advantageous.

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary for the Childcare Paralegal position is approximately GBP 30,000, depending on experience.

Will the Paralegal be required to communicate with clients?

Yes, the Paralegal will liaise regularly with vulnerable clients and multi-agency professionals, requiring a calm and empathetic approach.

What are the opportunities for career progression?

The firm offers a clear progression pathway towards qualification as a Child Care Solicitor and potential future membership of the Law Society Children's Panel.

Where is the firm located?

The firm is located in Sunderland.

Is training provided for the role?

Yes, full training will be provided to the successful candidate.

How does the firm support professional development?

The firm operates within a supportive and collaborative environment where professional development is actively encouraged with clear opportunities for progression.

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