At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with casework in child care law, including advocacy and client support.
- Company: Top-tier law firm recognised for excellence in child care law.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and excellent progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Law degree and experience in child care law required.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive team committed to professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas. A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos. Recognised among The Times 200 Best Law Firms, we have been awarded Law Firm of the Year at the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards, reflecting our dedication to legal expertise and client service. We hold Investors in People Gold Standard accreditation for over 15 years, showcasing our commitment to professional development. Duncan Lewis is also Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001 certified, ensuring excellence in practice management and data security. We are committed to recruiting dedicated and talented professionals and welcome applications from exceptional candidates. At Duncan Lewis, we value training and diversity, and we take pride in our inclusive workforce.
Child Care Department Background: Our highly specialised Child Care Department is ranked and recommended by The Legal 500 UK and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories for its expertise in all aspects of child care law. Our Child Care Law department approaches each case with a level of understanding only achievable through specializing in Child Care law. The key aspect of our work is assisting guardians to represent a child and representing parents. We act for children, parents and family members to provide expert advice to adopted parents and the birth parents who are considering adoption. The department also advises same-sex couples on child care matters, including child care arrangements following divorce, separation or dissolution of a civil partnership, adoption, co-parenting and surrogacy. Setting us apart from other firms, the Child Care Law department consists of members of the Law Society Children and Family Panel Members. The majority are also members of the Association for the Lawyers for Children, and of Resolution. Duncan Lewis is one of few firms in the UK that are on the Lord Chancellor’s International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) referral list. We have acquired a number of kite-marks and accreditations which are testament to the quality of the specialised work our staff undertake.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Report directly to Department Director
- Professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of clients’ needs
- Assisting with casework including dealing with a range of public and private children cases including child abduction; child protection issues; special guardianship and adoption matters as well as undertaking your own advocacy
- Attending clients, taking instructions and preparing cases
- Dealing with correspondence
- Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
- Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly file reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
- Ensuring compliance with file management
Key Skills Required:
- Demonstrate passion and experience in a broad range of publicly funded Child Care Law
- A strong academic background with a Law degree
- Legal experience as a Child Care Paralegal / Advisor
- Clear understanding and application of Children Laws
- Business acumen and the ability to market the Company
- Excellent communications skills to work effectively with all types of people
- Excellent analytical and organisational skills and ability to use own initiative but know when to seek guidance
- Committed team player, self-motivated and professional
- Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills
What we offer:
- Competitive salary
- A fantastic supportive team
- Excellent progression opportunities
- Support for appropriate legal awards / recognition
Children Law Paralegals (x3) – Birmingham employer: Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Contact Detail:
Duncan Lewis Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children Law Paralegals (x3) – Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in child care law. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and show them your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Duncan Lewis and their Child Care Department. Understand their ethos and recent cases they've handled. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your advocacy skills! Since the role involves dealing with sensitive cases, being able to communicate effectively and empathetically is key. Role-play common scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a top-tier firm like Duncan Lewis.
We think you need these skills to ace Children Law Paralegals (x3) – Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Child Care Law: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm and experience in child care law. We want to see that you genuinely care about the field and understand its complexities.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the role at Duncan Lewis. It shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re proactive about joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis Solicitors
✨Know Your Child Care Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child care law before the interview. Familiarise yourself with key cases and legislation relevant to the role, as this will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Client Care Skills
Duncan Lewis values strong client care skills, so be prepared to discuss how you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in past roles. Think of specific examples where you’ve gone the extra mile for clients.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific case scenarios. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills, especially in sensitive situations involving children and families.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the firm and the role. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or recent high-profile cases they’ve handled to demonstrate your enthusiasm.