At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior lawyers with diverse human rights cases and administrative tasks.
- Company: Leigh Day is a leading law firm focused on human rights and social justice.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in human rights while gaining valuable legal experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; passion for human rights and strong organisational skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract role based in Manchester with remote supervision.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
Department: Human Rights
Location: Manchester
Salary: £24,000
Contract type: fixed term contract
About the teams:
The successful candidate will work with a Partner (Stephanie Hill) and Senior Associate (Carolin Ott) in the Human Rights department at Leigh Day. Carolin Ott is based in London and specialises in public law (judicial review and public inquiry work). Her team works on a wide range of judicial review challenges, including with a particular emphasis on discrimination and in the social welfare context. She acts in high-profile judicial review challenges, including involving clients abroad including in Kenya, Gaza and the DRC. She has also been working on the Covid-19 inquiry. She will provide supervision remotely and via regular attendance at the Leigh Day Manchester office / the successful candidate attending at the London office.
Stephanie Hill is based in Manchester and has a varied caseload of public and private law claims, typically funded by legal aid. Her team has a particular focus on migrants' rights, including unlawful detention and age disputes. Her team also acts for people who have been trafficked in claims against the government. Stephanie also represents bereaved families in inquests involving Article 2 (the right to life). She also has a more general judicial review practice, representing individuals and small groups in challenging a wide range of decisions of public authorities.
Please note – the deadline for this role is Friday 25th July 2025.
Overall purpose for this role:
To provide a reliable and efficient support service to two senior fee earners in respect of their busy and varied caseloads of cases within the Human Rights team (comprising a range of public and private law work including judicial reviews and unlawful detention claims), and to assist with general administration of the caseloads. To undertake a wide variety of paralegal and administrative tasks as set out below. You will also be required to undertake other ad-hoc duties as required from time to time.
Leigh Day (Manchester) – Paralegal (Human rights, FTC) employer: Young Legal Aid Lawyers
Contact Detail:
Young Legal Aid Lawyers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Leigh Day (Manchester) – Paralegal (Human rights, FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key issues in human rights law, particularly those related to public law and judicial reviews. Understanding the nuances of cases involving discrimination and unlawful detention will help you engage more effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of human rights law. Attend relevant seminars or webinars, and connect with individuals who work at Leigh Day or similar firms. This can provide you with insights into the firm’s culture and current challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific cases or legal principles that resonate with the work done by the Human Rights team at Leigh Day. Being able to articulate your thoughts on high-profile judicial reviews or recent developments in human rights law will demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills and ability to manage a varied caseload. Be ready to provide examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled multiple tasks or projects, as this is crucial for supporting busy senior fee earners.
We think you need these skills to ace Leigh Day (Manchester) – Paralegal (Human rights, FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Paralegal in the Human Rights department at Leigh Day. Highlight your understanding of public law, judicial reviews, and the issues surrounding human rights in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work in legal settings, particularly in human rights or public law, and include any relevant coursework or volunteer work.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for human rights. Mention specific cases or issues that resonate with you and explain why you want to work with Leigh Day.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, as attention to detail is crucial in the legal field. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review your application as well.
How to prepare for a job interview at Young Legal Aid Lawyers
✨Research the Team and Their Work
Before your interview, take some time to research the Human Rights team at Leigh Day. Familiarise yourself with their recent cases, particularly those involving judicial reviews and discrimination. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges, especially in legal contexts. Be ready to discuss how you would approach specific scenarios related to human rights cases.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Human Rights
During the interview, convey your passion for human rights and social justice. Share any relevant experiences, such as volunteering or internships, that highlight your commitment to these issues. This will resonate well with the interviewers, who are looking for candidates that align with their values.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team's current projects, the challenges they face, or how they measure success in their cases. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you determine if the role is the right fit for you.