At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with child care cases, including adoption and child protection issues.
- Company: Highly regarded law firm with a specialised Child Care Department.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable legal experience.
- Qualifications: Law degree and experience in Child Care Law preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Child Care Department Background
Applauded by The Legal 500 with ‘an extremely knowledgeable and hugely capable child care team’, 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 specialising 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 (formerly known as the Solicitors Family Law Association). 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. We have had several high profile cases, which have been reported, which include caste, underage marriages and international elements.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- A fantastic supportive team
- Excellent progression opportunities
- Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition
Equal Opportunities
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. Please provide additional details in your covering letter if this applies.
Children Law Paralegals - Newcastle in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Duncan Lewis
Duncan Lewis is an exceptional employer, renowned for its highly specialised Child Care Department in Newcastle, which is consistently recognised for its expertise and commitment to client care. With a supportive team culture, competitive salary, and excellent progression opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. The firm’s dedication to diversity and equal opportunities further enhances its appeal as a workplace where every individual can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children Law Paralegals - Newcastle in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the Child Care Law field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent cases. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute. Tailor your answers to reflect your passion for Child Care Law and your understanding of the challenges faced in this area.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your advocacy skills! Since you’ll be dealing with sensitive cases, being able to communicate effectively is key. We suggest doing mock interviews or role-playing scenarios to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Children Law Paralegals - Newcastle in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Child Care Law:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for child care law shine through! Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to this field. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in children's lives.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your legal experience, especially in child care law, and align your skills with what we’re looking for. A tailored application shows us you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to child care law. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis
✨Know Your Child Care Law
Make sure you brush up on the key aspects of child care law before your interview. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation, especially those related to adoption, child protection, and guardianship. This will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Client Care Skills
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you would approach sensitive client situations. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your strong client care skills and your ability to empathise with clients' needs.
✨Highlight Your Team Player Attitude
This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues while maintaining professionalism.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Child Care Department and its work. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
