At a Glance
- Tasks: Support legal teams with SEN cases and assist in preparing legal documents.
- Company: WeDo Social Work, connecting professionals with meaningful opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, remote work, and a supportive recruitment team.
- Other info: Join a proactive team in a dynamic legal environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Paralegal and knowledge of SEN/SEND law required.
Location: Remote
Contract: Interim / Temporary
Rate: £350 - £450
WeDo Social Work is currently recruiting for an experienced SEN Paralegal to support a busy legal/SEND service during an interim period. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive legal professional with experience in Special Educational Needs (SEN/SEND), education law, or local authority work to join a team making a meaningful difference to children and young people.
The Role
As an SEN Paralegal, you will provide legal and administrative support across a range of SEND matters, helping to ensure cases are progressed effectively and in line with relevant legislation and deadlines. Your responsibilities may include:
- Supporting solicitors and legal teams with SEN/SEND cases
- Assisting with Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) matters
- Preparing legal documents, correspondence and case summaries
- Reviewing and organising case files and evidence
- Supporting responses to SEND Tribunal matters and appeals
- Liaising with internal teams, schools, families and external professionals
- Conducting legal research and assisting with case preparation
- Monitoring deadlines and ensuring casework progresses efficiently
- Providing general paralegal support to the wider education/SEND legal function
About You
We're looking for someone who has:
- Previous experience working as a Paralegal, Legal Assistant or similar role
- Experience or strong knowledge of SEN/SEND and education law
- An understanding of EHCPs and/or SEND Tribunal processes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational and case-management abilities
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- A proactive, professional and collaborative approach
Local authority experience would be highly desirable.
Why work with WeDo Social Work?
At WeDo, we connect skilled professionals with meaningful interim opportunities across Social Care, SEND, Inclusion and Education. We offer access to roles where your expertise can make a genuine difference, alongside a dedicated recruitment team supporting you throughout your assignment.
Ready for your next interim opportunity? Get in touch with Maisey at WeDo Social Work today.
SEN Paralegal in Altrincham employer: We Do Social Work
We Do Social Work is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Social Work Assistant in the Children & Families team, you will benefit from ongoing training and professional growth opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in a vibrant area, our organisation values flexibility and encourages a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Paralegal in Altrincham
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like We Do Social Work.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that We Do Social Work does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like We Do Social Work.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Paralegal in Altrincham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with We Do Social Work and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at We Do Social Work
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the SEN Paralegal role at We Do Social Work. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at We Do Social Work.
