Paralegal – Employment & Pensions in Exeter

Location: Exeter

Hybrid working

The Division

The Employment and Pensions team is a growing team which provides strategic, ground-breaking and commercial advice to clients in the NHS, private healthcare, medical technology, emergency services, police, education, housing, charity, and social care sectors. We are also instructed by regulatory bodies, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Bar Standards Board and Social Work England.

We are the sole employment law provider for a number of the largest NHS Trusts in the country and we act for large social housing associations and for a range of emergency services clients, including various Police forces. Our team is dedicated to working for clients in these sectors and we have expertise in supporting clients to achieve the best strategic and commercial outcomes for them. Our work is often high profile and cutting edge, for example, advising the NHS nationally in respect of the covid-19 response and in relation to recent industrial action.

We have an excellent track record in successfully defending complex Employment Tribunal cases, handling hundreds of claims each year ranging from unfair dismissal to multi-day discrimination and whistle blowing cases. We also have a strong non-contentious employment team advising on issues including TUPE transfers, re-structuring exercises and shared services arrangements; and a dedicated Pensions team.

The Role and Responsibilities

The main role and responsibilities will involve working to a chargeable hours target, helping the solicitors in all aspects of their casework including (although, this is not an exhaustive list):

• General case management including managing documents and preparing bundles for Tribunal hearings;
• Assisting fee earners in preparing witness evidence;
• Drafting general correspondence and documents;
• Preparing and drafting reports to the client;
• Proof reading documents;
• Undertaking research;
• Liaison with clients, claimants, counsel and Tribunals;
• Collating and analysing evidence received in order to advise the client.

Supervision, support and relevant training will be provided although the successful applicant will also be encouraged, where appropriate, to use their own initiative.

Skills and Experience

Candidates should have:

• A 2:1 undergraduate degree;
• Ideally an LPC or BVC qualification (LPC would be preferred but is not essential);
• Strong IT skills;
• Ability to adhere to and manage deadlines;
• Good written skills;
• Good administration skills;
• Good communication skills;

Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate at interview:

• Are well organised;
• Have good attention to detail;
• Are able to work well under pressure;
• Are proactive;
• Are self‑motivated.

Interview Process

The first stage will either be a 20 minute telephone interview or we will ask you to complete an online video screening which will involve recording your answers to role related questions. The second stage will be an online team interview, which can last up to 1 hour. After your interview, you will be asked to complete a role related test. This can last up to 45 minutes. Please ensure that you have enough time to complete the test when booking in for an interview. We will aim to deliver outcomes within 2 weeks following the completion of your interview.

Capsticks is an inclusive employer

At Capsticks we value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where everyone is able to be themselves and reach their full potential. Capsticks is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and therefore we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, background, culture, ethnicity, race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, neurodiversity, religion and beliefs. We will make reasonable adjustments to our application and interview process to ensure that you have the best chance of success. We understand that there's not a 'one size fits all' approach to adjustments so our team will work with you individually to understand more about your requirements.