At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with child care law cases and provide expert advice to clients.
- Company: Duncan Lewis Solicitors, a top-tier law firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Excellent progression opportunities, support for legal awards, and a fantastic team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal 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.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 62000 £ 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.
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. 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.
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:
- A fantastic supportive team
- Excellent progression opportunities
- Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition
Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce. We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post.
Children Law Paralegal in Chelmsford employer: Duncan Lewis
Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an exceptional employer, recognised for its commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture. With a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from robust career progression opportunities, competitive salary packages, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements in the vibrant city of Manchester. Our award-winning Housing team provides a dynamic environment where solicitors can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community.
