At a Glance
- Tasks: Support family solicitors in managing cases, preparing legal documents, and liaising with clients.
- Company: Join Ison Harrison, a top-rated employee-owned law firm in Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy profit share, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in family law while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal support, particularly in family law, is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
Ison Harrison Solicitors, the Yorkshire Law Firm, employs 450+ people across 27 offices. Recently recognised as one of the UK’s top 10 employers in The Sunday Times Best Big Places to Work 2026, there’s never been a better time to join the team at Ison Harrison. We are 100% employee-owned, so each employee has a part to play in shaping the future of the firm. Employee-ownership also means that profit share payments are distributed, tax-free, to employees with 12+ months’ service at the end of our financial year. Employees are encouraged to Join in, Influence and Benefit.
Our values are: 100%; Responsible; Supportive; Adaptable; Open Progressive; Community and Authentic. These values are at the heart of everything we do, when dealing with both clients and colleagues.
About the Role
We are currently recruiting for a full-time Paralegal to join our Family Law team, based at either our Doncaster or Barnsley office. The role involves supporting our highly regarded team of family solicitors who specialise in children, care and domestic violence matters, including Legal Aid Agency funded work. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced paralegal or an ambitious legal assistant looking to further develop their career within a busy and supportive family law department. The team manages a substantial caseload and works within strict court and procedural deadlines. As solicitors frequently attend court and external appointments, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting case progression, maintaining client contact, and ensuring matters are managed efficiently and professionally.
The successful applicant will ideally have experience in family law and a good understanding of legal aid procedures, court processes, and the preparation of legal documents.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting fee earners with the day-to-day management of family law cases, particularly children, care and domestic violence matters.
- Preparing and drafting correspondence, legal documents, court forms, witness statements and bundles.
- Managing case files from opening through to conclusion and archiving, under the supervision of the fee earner.
- Liaising with clients, courts, barristers, experts, local authorities and other third parties.
- Taking instructions from clients and dealing with enquiries appropriately.
- Assisting with Legal Aid applications, amendments and related documentation.
- Preparing court bundles and ensuring compliance with court directions and deadlines.
- Updating and maintaining the Case Management System and electronic records.
- Conducting legal research where required.
- Maintaining accurate attendance notes and file records.
- Supporting fee earners with diary management and appointment scheduling when necessary.
- Assisting with billing processes, payment of disbursements and other administrative tasks.
- Contributing to maintaining a safe, healthy and productive working environment.
- Supporting the continuous improvement of office procedures and processes.
Essential Skills
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage a busy workload and prioritise effectively.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
- Professional and empathetic approach when dealing with vulnerable clients.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong IT and keyboard skills.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook and Excel.
- Case Management Systems.
- Legal Aid Agency processes and procedures (desirable).
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements.
- Knowledge of family law procedures and court processes (desirable).
Experience
- Essential: Previous experience working in a legal support role, such as Paralegal, Legal Assistant or Legal Secretary.
- Desirable: Experience within a Family Law department.
- Experience dealing with Legal Aid Agency funded matters.
- Experience preparing court documentation and bundles.
Location
Doncaster or Barnsley Office – the successful candidate may be based at either location depending on business requirements and candidate preference.
Barnsley – Queens Court, Regent Street, Barnsley, S70 2EG
Doncaster – 12A South Parade, Doncaster, DN1 2DY
Salary
Dependent on experience. Applicants are requested to provide details of their current and/or expected salary when applying.
Paralegal – Family Law employer: Ison Harrison Solicitors
Ison Harrison Solicitors is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the UK’s top 10 employers, offering a supportive and progressive work culture where every employee plays a vital role in shaping the firm's future. With a strong focus on employee ownership, staff benefit from profit share payments and a commitment to personal development, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers in a dynamic environment. Located in Crossgates, Leeds, the firm fosters a community-oriented atmosphere that values responsibility, adaptability, and transparency.
