Paralegal - Childcare

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Dependant on experience

Office base: St Helens, WA10 1QU with some travel to Wigan, WN3 5BA – hybrid working after a period of training, minimum of 2-3 times a week in the office.

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Are you a law graduate looking for an exciting, new opportunity? Or are you an experienced paralegal looking to accelerate in your career? How would you like to work within our expert Family Law Team? What about working for a well-respected firm who genuinely cares about your career and development?

The Role

As a Paralegal in our Family department, you’ll support solicitors and the department manager by assisting with a wide range of employment law matters. This is an amazing opportunity to join our knowledgeable, highly regarded Family Law Team, focusing on childcare cases. You will be engaged in varied and interesting work where you will learn all about the intricacies of Family Law. In this role you will be able to hone in on and develop fundamental skills whilst working alongside our reputable and well-respected Solicitors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising clients and attending meetings where appropriate.
• Supporting solicitors with case management, including drafting legal documents and preparing bundles.
• Handling client and professional enquiries via phone, email, and post.
• Managing new business enquiries effectively.
• Arranging and attending conferences with Counsel; undertaking advocacy and hearings where appropriate.
• Organising workload to meet chargeable and non-chargeable targets under supervision.
• Performing administrative tasks and ensuring compliance with client care and Law Society rules.
• Contributing to practice development through blogging and networking.
• Identifying and acting on cross-referral opportunities within the firm.

About You

We welcome applicants with a wide range of strengths, thinking styles and lived experiences. We’re happy to discuss any workplace adjustments or support that would help you perform at your best, including communication preferences, assistive tools, or environmental changes. We’re looking for someone who can:

• Be highly adaptable and flexible, including with working hours.
• Stay calm under pressure and thrive on challenge.
• Be committed, hard-working, and discreet in a confidential environment.
• Work independently and collaboratively.
• Stay calm and focused during busy periods.
• Handle sensitive information professionally and confidentially.
• Communicate in a friendly, respectful and approachable way.
• Show a genuine interest in employment law and in developing a long-term career within this area.

Essential: You will need:

• 5 GCSEs including English and Maths (grade C / 4 or above).
• Confidence using computers and the ability to learn new systems with training.
• A strong understanding, experience or knowledge of family law/care proceedings work.
• Clear communication skills (written and verbal).
• Research skills and the ability to break down information logically.
• Organisational and time-management approaches that help you keep on top of tasks.
• The ability to meet deadlines with appropriate support.

Desirable: It’s helpful, but not essential, if you also have:

• Law Degree (ideally 2:1 or above) or relevant work experience.
• Experience assisting in family law, including public and private childcare cases.
• Understanding of family law and up-to-date legislation.
• Experience using case management systems.
• An understanding of Solicitors Accounts Rules.
• Awareness of client care and complaints procedures.

We also look for individuals who embody our brand values: approachable, flexible, inclusive, resilient and supportive.

Why Stephensons?

Stephensons is an award-winning, top-150 law firm with a strong commitment to training, development and employee wellbeing. We offer a supportive and collaborative working environment where you can grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What Can We Offer?

• Generous annual leave (increasing with service).
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• Early monthly pay scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Hybrid working.
• Holiday sale & purchase scheme.
• Well-being package (financial, physical & mental health support).
• Free parking.
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay.
• Will writing service.
• Season ticket & travel support.
• Payroll giving scheme.
• Social events & clubs.
• Reward & recognition schemes.
• Internal referral scheme.
• Retail vouchers/cashback schemes.
• Free eye tests.
• Cycle to work scheme.

*Service-length conditions apply.