At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist solicitors in public law cases and gain hands-on legal experience.
- Company: National law firm with a local touch, committed to social responsibility.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, flexible pension schemes, and paid volunteering days.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent well-being initiatives and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in clients' lives while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, organisational skills, and a compassionate approach.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 € per year.
We’re a national law firm with a local reach. Our legal experts are here for you. Whether it’s personal or business, we understand that everyone’s situation is different. But we’re more than just a law firm – we’re a team of people working together to help individuals and businesses navigate life’s ups and downs. Working here you’ll feel a part of our friendly and inclusive environment. We’ll value you for who you are and what you bring. We support each other and push boundaries to achieve incredible things and make a real difference to our clients and communities.
Our Team
People from every walk of life have the right to be treated fairly; our experts help clients challenge organisations. We have a wealth of experience across all fields of public law, with the knowledge and skills to make sure our clients’ rights are respected. We help clients who feel they’ve been discriminated against or had rights infringed by:
- Local councils.
- Hospitals, care homes and health trusts.
- Schools and Local Education Authorities.
- Any public body.
Our public law and human rights solicitors are regarded as some of the best in the country by legal directories Legal 500 & Chambers UK. We've previously taken cases all the way to the Supreme Court, so we're not daunted by any challenge. While we do seek to resolve cases with negotiation and mediation wherever possible, we take clients fight as far as is necessary to get the results they deserve.
Your Role and What You’ll Be Doing
You will be assisting solicitors on their cases in at least one of the main areas of work undertaken by the team, namely Court of Protection (health and welfare), education and health and social care, so this is a fantastic opportunity to gain real, hands‑on experience in a law firm.
- Taking instructions from clients and assisting with the giving of legal advice.
- Achieve time recording and fee income targets to ensure profitable working.
- Attend and contribute to team/practice area meetings and comply with directions/decisions made to ensure team objectives achieved.
- Keep up to date with changes in relevant law and practice and attend appropriate training events to ensure up to date legal knowledge and best practice.
About You
- Great communication and organisational skills.
- The ability to interact with clients and external organisations.
- A friendly, enthusiastic and can‑do approach.
- Empathy and compassion to help guide our clients through challenging personal circumstances.
Our Benefits - What We Can Offer You
- 25 days holidays as standard plus bank holidays - You can ‘buy’ up to 35hrs of extra holiday too.
- Generous and flexible pension schemes.
- Volunteering days – Two days of volunteering every year for a cause of your choice (fully paid).
- Westfield Health membership, offering refunds on medical services alongside our Aviva Digital GP services.
We also offer a wide range of well‑being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported. This includes our Flexible by Choice programme which gives our colleagues more choice over a hybrid way of working subject to role, team and client requirements. We have been ranked in the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing for Large Organisations for 2024.
Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim. Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.
Additional Information
As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group’s onboarding process all successful applicants are required to complete the group’s employment screening process. This process helps to ensure that all new employees meet our standards in relation to honesty and integrity therefore protecting the interests of the Group, colleagues, clients, partners and other stakeholders. We carry out pre‑employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record and financial checks with our trusted 3rd parties. The employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws. Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We’re proud of our values, and we’re looking for people who share them.
Paralegal - PLHR Birmingham employer: Irwin Mitchell LLP
At Irwin Mitchell, we pride ourselves on being more than just a law firm; we are a supportive and inclusive team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of our clients and communities. Our Birmingham office offers a vibrant work culture with ample opportunities for professional growth, including hands-on experience in public law and human rights. With generous benefits such as flexible working arrangements, volunteering days, and a commitment to employee well-being, we ensure that our colleagues thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - PLHR Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the firm through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent cases the firm has handled. Show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in the impact they make in public law and human rights.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since great communication is key for this role, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal - PLHR Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Paralegal role. Highlight your relevant experience in public law or human rights, and show us how your skills align with our values and the specific needs of the team.
Show Your Personality:We love a friendly and enthusiastic approach! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for helping clients and how you can contribute to our inclusive environment.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your communication skills in action, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our firm!
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin Mitchell LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of law relevant to the role, especially Court of Protection and public law. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact your work. This shows your commitment and helps you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since this role involves working with clients facing challenging situations, it’s crucial to demonstrate your empathy and compassion. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported someone through a tough time, highlighting your ability to connect with clients on a personal level.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the firm’s approach to client care or how they handle complex cases. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a better understanding of the firm's values and culture.
✨Be Yourself
The firm values individuality and inclusivity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your unique experiences and perspectives, and remember that they’re looking for someone who fits into their friendly environment. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates!