At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Special Educational Needs team to manage client enquiries and assist with legal documentation.
- Company: Boyes Turner is a friendly, forward-thinking law firm based in Reading.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible hybrid working, and a dog-friendly office culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the SEN field while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN law and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Part-time hours available and opportunities for charity work and social events.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Paralegal to join our fast paced and friendly Special Educational Needs team based in Reading. This is a permanent position, offering the successful candidate full support from an experienced, friendly, and forward-thinking team. For the right candidate we are happy to consider part time hours over 4 or 5 days. Candidates will be encouraged to attend the office in Reading on average 2 days a week and equipment will be provided to work from home effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage new enquiries, client finances, budgets, and experts’ fees.
- Maintain databases and client records.
- Assist with marketing events to promote Boyes Turner.
- Make client and third-party calls on behalf of senior fee earners.
- Liaise with clients, local authorities, schools, and the Tribunal.
- Request SAR records from schools and local authorities.
- Draft court forms, Grounds of Appeal, and client correspondence.
- Prepare bundles, schedules of documents, and working documents for EHCPs.
- Research, contact, and arrange expert assessments.
- Handle post-registration appeal steps and draft instructions to experts.
- Write articles for the company website and assist with research.
- Ensure high-quality work to uphold the firm’s reputation.
Skills and Experience Required:
- Experience working within a legal environment in SEN law.
- Ability to work unsupervised within scope of instructions/protocols from senior fee earners.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Good customer service skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
- Excellent IT skills plus good knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Excel spreadsheets).
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday
- Pension scheme
- Life Assurance - 5 x final salary
- Medicash
- Flexible Hybrid working
- An additional days holiday for your birthday
- A weekly wellbeing hour
- 8 hour per annum charity work
- Cycle to work scheme
- Bring your dog to work
- Social committee events
- Season ticket travel loan
- Eligible to purchase an additional five days holiday
Team structure:
- 1 x partner
- 4 x solicitors/fee earners
- 1 x senior paralegal
- 1 x paralegal
- 1 x legal assistant
Senior Paralegal - Special Educational Needs employer: Boyes Turner
Contact Detail:
Boyes Turner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Paralegal - Special Educational Needs
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in Special Educational Needs law. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the SEN legal community. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges they face, which could give you an edge in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with client management and communication. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully liaised with clients and third parties, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office. Be prepared to discuss how you've used tools like Excel for managing budgets or databases, as this will be crucial for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Paralegal - Special Educational Needs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Special Educational Needs law. Emphasise your skills in managing client finances, drafting court forms, and maintaining databases, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working in SEN law. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work independently and as part of a team, as well as your excellent communication skills.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your IT skills, particularly your proficiency with Microsoft Office and any experience with legal databases. This will show that you can handle the technical aspects of the role effectively.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Provide examples in your application that illustrate your attention to detail, such as successful projects or tasks where accuracy was crucial. This is essential for maintaining high-quality work and upholding the firm's reputation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Boyes Turner
✨Showcase Your SEN Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your experience in Special Educational Needs law during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or situations where you successfully navigated legal challenges in this area.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with clients, local authorities, and schools, it's crucial to exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Given the collaborative nature of the team, be ready to answer questions about your ability to work effectively in a team. Share examples of past experiences where you contributed to a team project or supported colleagues.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is key in legal work. Prepare to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work, whether it’s through double-checking documents or maintaining meticulous records.