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 flexible hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and unique perks like bringing your dog to work.
- 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 for this role.
- Other info: Part-time hours available, with equipment provided for effective remote work.
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 commitment to the field and your proactive approach to staying informed.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the SEN legal community. Attend relevant events or webinars, and connect with current employees at StudySmarter on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights about the team and the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your previous experience that showcase your ability to manage client finances and liaise with various stakeholders. This will highlight your practical skills and readiness for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your IT skills by being ready to discuss how you've used technology to improve efficiency in your past roles. Mention any experience with databases or Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, as these are 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 liaising with various stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working in the SEN field. 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. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to manage databases or prepare documents.
Showcase Attention to Detail: Since attention to detail is crucial for this role, include examples in your application where your meticulousness has positively impacted your work, such as ensuring high-quality documentation or successful client interactions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Boyes Turner
✨Showcase Your SEN Law Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in Special Educational Needs law during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've worked on and how you managed client enquiries, budgets, and liaised with various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to draft a sample correspondence or explain complex legal concepts, so be ready to showcase your abilities.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
This position requires both teamwork and independent work. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in a legal environment, as well as how you manage tasks when working alone. Share examples that demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Tools
As the role involves maintaining databases and using Microsoft Office, brush up on your IT skills, especially Excel. You may be asked about your proficiency with these tools, so consider preparing examples of how you've used them effectively in previous roles.