Paralegal

Stephens Scown LLP; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Group life assurance

Wellbeing support

Paid leave for good causes

Job summary

A leading law firm in Exeter is seeking a dedicated individual to join their specialist Children team. This role involves managing client files, drafting court documents, and conducting legal research. The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills and be highly organised. The firm offers a competitive salary, a hybrid working model, and a range of employee benefits including 25 days holiday and private medical insurance. Candidates are encouraged from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent telephone and interpersonal skills.
• Eager to learn and grow in a dynamic legal environment.
• Previous experience with legal aid costing is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the organisation and management of client files.
• Draft court documents and correspondence.
• Instruct counsel and experts and draft the relevant documentation.
• Liaise with clients and professionals.
• Conduct legal research to support ongoing cases.

Skills

Organised and proactive

Excellent communication skills

Team player

Self-motivated

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Job description

The Role

We are looking for a dedicated individual to support our Partners and Solicitors in the specialist Children team, working on both public and private law cases, helping us deliver top‑tier service to our clients.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in the organisation and management of client files
• Drafting court documents and correspondence
• Instructing counsel and experts and drafting the relevant documentation
• Liaising with clients and professionals
• Conducting legal research to support ongoing cases
• Supporting legal aid file costing processes, including communication with the Legal Aid Agency and cost draftsmen
• Engaging with the wider team, including attending team meetings and events and networking opportunities both internally and externally

About You

• Highly organised, accurate, and proactive, with the ability to meet deadlines under pressure while maintaining attention to detail
• An excellent communicator with strong telephone and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to outstanding client care
• A team player with a flexible and collaborative approach to work
• Eager to learn, ask questions, and grow within a dynamic legal environment
• Self‑motivated with a strong work ethic and a desire to contribute to the ongoing success of the Family Children’s team
• Confident using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and willing to develop proficiency with other legal software
• Previous experience with legal aid costing and the Legal Aid Agency’s CCMS system would be an advantage, but full training will be provided.

What we can offer you

• We offer a competitive salary and an impressive array of benefits and rewards. Not least of these is through the Firm’s employee‑ownership status, where every employee is listened to, helps to realise our vision and receives an equal share in our annual profit‑share.
• Our hybrid working model and approach to flexible working enables our people to share their working time between home and the office to support a healthy work / life balance.
• Employee benefits – including 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and your birthday), private medical insurance, group life assurance, access to a comprehensive range of wellbeing support, and three additional days’ paid leave to support good causes.
• Progression opportunities – including, regular training, qualification options, mentorship, and continued professional development.

Equal Opportunities

At Stephens Scown, we believe that a diverse workforce delivers better results for our clients and creates a happier workplace where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Therefore we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, abilities and beliefs.

All offers of employment at Stephens Scown are subject to Basic level of Disclosure and Barring Service check. Any information gathered in relation to the DBS process is held in accordance with all relevant data protection regulations. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of your offences. At interview, or in a separate discussion, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the position. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to the withdrawal of an offer of employment. We make every subject of a DBS Disclosure aware of the existence of the DBS Code of Practice. This is available on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice