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 perks like life assurance and charity work.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real impact in the lives of children with special needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN law and strong communication skills are essential for this role.
- Other info: Part-time hours available and opportunities for personal development within a collaborative environment.
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 managing client finances and budgets. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully handled these responsibilities in previous roles, as this is a key part of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office and database management. Consider preparing a brief demonstration of how you've used these tools effectively in past positions to streamline processes or improve client communication.
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. Include specific examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to manage client finances, draft court forms, and liaise with various stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working in the SEN field. Mention why you are interested in this position at Boyes Turner and how your skills align with their requirements, particularly your communication and customer service skills.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your excellent attention to detail and IT skills, especially your proficiency with Microsoft Office. Provide examples of how these skills have contributed to your success in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a legal environment.
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 or situations where you successfully managed client enquiries or liaised with local authorities.
✨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 explain complex legal concepts, so ensure you can do this in a straightforward manner.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Given the collaborative nature of the team, be ready to discuss your experiences working in a team environment. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success and how you handle conflicts or challenges within a group.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Firm's Values
Research Boyes Turner and understand their values and mission. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to maintaining the firm's reputation for high-quality work.