Family Care Paralegal

Are you looking to build your legal career in a supportive and progressive environment? Do you want to gain hands-on experience, develop your legal knowledge and work closely with experienced legal professionals who will help you grow?

At Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, we're not your typical law firm, and this isn't just another Paralegal role.

We're looking for a Family Care Paralegal to join our friendly and experienced Family team. If you're passionate about helping clients through some of the most important and sensitive moments in their lives and want to develop your career in a firm that genuinely invests in its people, we'd love to hear from you.

The role reports to the Head of Department/Pod Leader.

The role is office based within our Family Care team at our York office and is a hybrid working role.

Summary

As a Family Care Paralegal within our Family Team, you will provide comprehensive legal and administrative support to Solicitors and Legal Advisers working on public law children matters.

You will assist with a range of Family Care cases, including care proceedings and pre-proceedings work, supporting clients through often complex and sensitive matters. You will be responsible for progressing delegated tasks, maintaining excellent client care standards, and contributing to the efficient and effective delivery of legal services across the department.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within Family Care law and gain hands-on experience in a busy and supportive legal environment.

Key Responsibilities

Client Service & Case Support

• Assist Solicitors and Legal Advisers with a range of Family Care matters, including care proceedings and pre-proceedings work.
• Support clients through sensitive and often emotionally challenging matters with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
• Progress delegated tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring work is completed within required timescales.
• Draft routine correspondence, legal documents, witness statements, chronologies, and applications for review.
• Liaise with clients, Courts, Local Authorities, Counsel, CAFCASS, experts, and other third parties as required.
• Provide a professional, approachable, and client-focused service at all times.
• Attend Court and client meetings where appropriate.

File & Case Management

• Open, maintain, and update client files using the firm's case management system.
• Ensure all documentation is filed, stored, and managed in line with firm procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records, attendance notes, and case updates.
• Monitor and assist with meeting Court deadlines and case progression requirements.
• Assist with the preparation and management of Court bundles and supporting documentation.

Document Production

• Prepare and format legal documents, forms, applications, statements, and correspondence.
• Ensure documents are accurate, professionally presented, and compliant with firm standards.
• Assist in the preparation of Court documentation and Legal Aid forms where required.
• Support the preparation of briefing packs and papers for Counsel and hearings.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Comply with all firm policies and procedures, including file management, client due diligence, and data protection requirements.
• Support anti-money laundering (AML) and client identification procedures.
• Assist with Legal Aid applications and ongoing Legal Aid administration where appropriate.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of client and firm information.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and sound judgement in all aspects of the role.
• Assist with preparing cost information and client communications where required.
• Record time accurately in line with departmental expectations.
• Support billing, Legal Aid administration, and other administrative processes as appropriate.
• Assist with the management of disbursements and Court-related expenses where required.

Team Contribution

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support team and departmental objectives.
• Provide support to Legal Assistants and other team members where required.
• Share knowledge and contribute to a positive and efficient working environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility and provide assistance across the department during busy periods.

Professional Development

• Take responsibility for ongoing personal and professional development.
• Participate in training to develop Family Care legal knowledge and technical skills.
• Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedural changes.
• Build capability to progress within the role and take on increased responsibility over time.

Skills & Experience

• Relevant legal qualification (e.g. Law Degree, LPC, SQE, CILEX or equivalent) or relevant practical experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to strict deadlines.
• Professional, client-focused approach with high levels of integrity and confidentiality.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Ability to work independently on delegated tasks and as part of a team.
• Previous experience working within Family Law, particularly Family Care or public law children matters.
• Experience of care proceedings, pre-proceedings work, or Legal Aid matters.
• Experience preparing Court bundles and legal documentation.
• Experience supporting vulnerable clients and handling sensitive matters.
• Familiarity with Court procedures and deadlines.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between offices, Courts, and client meetings where required.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary - because your skills are worth it

Hybrid & flexible working - life happens, and we get that

25 days holiday plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and no guilt about using them

Death in service scheme - peace of mind for you and your loved ones

Healthcare cash plan - supporting your physical and financial wellbeing

Wellness group - because mental health matters

Inclusive and fun culture - we work hard, but we don't take ourselves too seriously

CW Academy - our in-house development programme with a personal development plan tailored to your goals

Clear and transparent progression opportunities - for everyone, not just lawyers

About You:

You’ll be someone who thrives in a busy legal environment. You’ll be a team player with a can-do attitude, able to communicate confidently and manage your time effectively.

Why Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors?

We believe that culture isn't just something we talk about, it's something we live every day. From our wellness initiatives to our team socials, we invest in our people and create opportunities for them to develop and succeed.

Our Family Care team helps clients navigate some of life's most significant challenges and decisions. In return, you'll receive support, training and opportunities to build your legal career in an environment where your contribution is genuinely valued.

If you're looking for a role where you can learn, grow and make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Come and be part of something different. Your future starts here - with Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors .

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this role. It is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of staff assigned to the job.

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