Paralegal - Child Litigation in Stevenage

The Child Litigation team delivers high‑quality litigation and advice to the Director of Children’s Services and the Children’s Services Department. The team handles public‑law proceedings under the Children Act 1989 and the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and provides support with the Public Law Outline pre‑proceedings process. It works closely with external stakeholders such as the court service, CAFcass and police colleagues.

Location & Hours: Stevenage / Hybrid, 37 hours per week. Permanent full‑time position.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and revise court bundles and ensure they are sent to the court and parties to proceedings within the required timescale.
• Undertake routine case management – acknowledge receipt of statements and documents, file and serve evidence, and liaise with the court.
• Draft straightforward legal documents including care order applications, Part 25 applications, letters before proceedings, briefs to counsel, and letters of instruction to experts.
• Obtain cost estimates and availability of expert witnesses.
• Gather evidence and documentation, including taking statements from lay witnesses, preparing witness templates and handling the administrative tasks necessary to ensure final hearings take place.
• Participate in any other areas of work in the Legal Services Department when required by a Principal Lawyer.
• Manage day‑to‑day tasks independently without the need for close or prescriptive supervision.

About You – Essential:

• Minimum a law degree or equivalent qualification.
• Previous legal work experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to forge and maintain relationships with a wide range of professionals.
• Ability to work under pressure and organise and prioritise workload.

About You – Desirable:

• Experience or exposure in childcare litigation.
• Willingness to travel around Hertfordshire and further afield to different offices and courts using one’s own mode of transport.
• A positive attitude toward the challenges of local government and enthusiasm to develop skills as part of a supportive team.

Additional Information:

• Disability Confident: We are a disability‑confident employer and guarantee an interview to any applicant whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
• English Fluency: Ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential. For applications where the preferred language is a sign language, a sign‑language interpreter skilled in English will be required.
• Eligibility: The role is open to candidates who currently reside in the UK and can provide proof of right to work. Sponsorship is not available.