Child Care Paralegal

Cartwright King Solicitors; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking paralegals to join their expanding child care team in Manchester. The role involves providing client assistance, managing case files, and drafting legal documents. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for progression, this position is ideal for individuals passionate about law and client care.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Birthday off after one year of service

Company pension scheme

Medicash health plan

Flexible working arrangements

Social events

Opportunities for internal progression

Potential to earn bonuses

Qualifications

• Experience in office administration within a legal environment, ideally within a Care/Family team.
• Legal research skills.
• Ability to manage a busy workload efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct assistance with Care clients and manage case files.
• Draft court documents and attend court sessions with counsel.
• Handle phone and drop-in enquiries as the office contact.

Skills

Communication

Attention to Detail

Organisational Skills

Typing Skills

Letter Writing

IT Proficiency

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Job description

Location: Manchester

Cartwright King is a successful national law firm with offices across the country. We are a people-focused business where our staff and clients come first. We pride ourselves on being a progressive, forward-thinking employer offering flexibility and opportunities to progress your career.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for paralegals to join our expanding child care team in Leicester. At Cartwright King, we offer flexible working, allowing you to choose where you work to meet the needs of our clients and the business.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct assistance with Care clients, acting as the client contact point for new cases, allocations, and court appearances.
• Handle all phone and drop-in enquiries as the office contact.
• Manage team diaries, including setting up client appointments.
• Support the team with client contacts, instructions, and follow-ups.
• Attend meetings with clients (Legal Help) under supervision.
• Provide administrative support to the team.
• Manage case files, including setup, conflict checks, liaising with counsel and experts, obtaining cost quotes and timeframes, and arranging disbursements.
• Complete outline C2 applications for court issues, serve documents, and handle court fee payments.
• Set up, monitor, claim, and pay for DNA and drug/alcohol testing.
• Assist with trial preparation by preparing trial bundles.
• Close files when cases are concluded.
• Serve as the administrator for the LAA online service, handling all LA/FE queries.
• Complete LAA applications, extensions, prior authorities, and billing for review by fee earners.
• Draft letters, prepare file notes, telephone notes, and other correspondence.
• Draft court documents as required.
• Attend meetings with fee earners and take detailed notes.
• Attend court sessions with counsel and document proceedings.
• Perform other general office duties as needed.

Role Specific Qualities

The successful child care paralegal will also possess the following qualities:

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including a polite telephone manner.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent typing skills.
• Good letter-writing skills and a high level of literacy.
• Proficiency in IT, particularly MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of office equipment.
• Interest in law, with a commitment to high-quality client care and service.

Experience

• Experience in office administration within a legal environment, ideally within a Care/Family team.
• Legal research skills.
• Ability to manage a busy workload efficiently.
• Previous paralegal experience is advantageous.
• Experience with case management software is beneficial.
• Familiarity with the Legal Aid Agency portal, CCMS, is desirable.

Package

• 26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Birthday off after one year of service.
• Company pension scheme.
• Medicash health plan.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Social events.
• Opportunities for internal progression.
• Potential to earn bonuses.

Application Process

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to [e-mail].

We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities.