Human Rights Paralegal

Overall purpose for this role

• To provide a reliable and efficient support service primarily to a senior solicitor in respect of a busy caseload of cases within the Human Rights team (comprising Inquests, cases in the Court of Protection, judicial reviews and claims brought under the Human Rights Act 1998 on behalf of bereaved families, vulnerable adults and children), and to assist with general administration of the caseload.
• 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.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• This role involves assisting with drafting documents and correspondence; liaising with clients, Counsel, experts and other solicitors; drafting LAA funding applications; requesting and reviewing evidence; conducting legal research; and administrative support including the efficient billing of cases. In the absence of supervising fee-earner, ensure that urgent matters are dealt with or referred to appropriate personnel.
• Produce accurate documents from verbal or written instructions including the use of templates and precedents.
• Undertake administrative tasks required for the smooth running of cases.

File/case management

• Thorough and accurate note taking at meetings and preparation of file notes.
• Preparing court and other documents for the approval of senior fee earners.
• Organising and preparing court and other bundles including electronic PDF bundles.
• Attend court on applications, trials etc. when requested to do so.
• Assisting with ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Ensure electronic and paper filing kept up-to-date and copies of correspondence/ documents are kept in the file, open new files/close old files as required.
• Pay attention to detail and ensure accuracy.

Client relations

• Telephone clients/other contacts as and when necessary, dealing with such calls in a courteous and efficient manner.
• Communicate effectively and empathetically; be approachable and professional in all dealings.

Information technology

• To utilise IT to provide a quality, cost effective and efficient service to clients.

Training

• To keep up to date by attending in-house seminars, through research, reading and attending courses if appropriate.
• To ensure that adequate training is received to be able to gain maximum benefit from the firm's investment in IT.

Any other tasks as might from time to time as required.

Person specification

Essential

• Genuine interest in working with a leading claimant law firm and passion about providing access to justice to all.
• Genuine interest and passion about human rights and building a career in this field.
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrated by ability to communicate accurately, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Proven ability to be self-sufficient in relation to administration and IT requirements.
• Relevant degree (LLB/LLM) and/or other legal qualification (e.g. GDL, LPC, SQE or similar).
• Demonstrable interest in human rights.
• Demonstrable ability to build trust and confidence with vulnerable and marginalised client group.
• Demonstrable experience in using a variety of IT packages (MS Word, Excel, Case Management Systems, Outlook).
• Proven ability to communicate accurately, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing with a wide range of clients and various third parties.
• Proven ability to organise and prioritise a complex workload and work to tight deadlines whilst maintaining a positive attitude.
• Proven ability to work and contribute in a team environment.

Desirable

• Experience in legal and evidential research.
• Experience in interviewing clients and taking witness statements.
• Demonstrable experience in drafting legal documentation and correspondence, sorting and reviewing client records, including excellent attention to detail.
• Proven ability in dealing sensitively with clients and managing difficult situations and conversations.
• Experience in human rights law, Inquests, Court of Protection cases and/or judicial review would be an advantage but not essential.
• Experience in conducting litigation from first instruction through to settlement/trial.
• Experience in legal aid.

About Leigh Day

We are a top 100 law firm committed to claimant-only cases, ensuring that individuals have the same access to justice as the UK Government and large corporations. We're not afraid to take on difficult and challenging cases involving medical negligence, serious personal injuries, discrimination in the workplace, defective products and human rights abuses in this country and overseas.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes

• Hybrid working (typically 2-3 days from home for a full time worker)
• 29 days annual leave (excluding public holidays)
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Life assurance 4 x salary
• Healthcare cash plan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
• Electric car scheme