Paralegal

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service); Greater London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Cafcass is hiring a Paralegal to join the Legal Services team in England. You will support six Solicitors, conduct legal and policy research, prepare court bundles and documents, and attend hearings. You will manage records, update the legal intranet, and provide timely updates to practice staff.

The role requires a law degree or equivalent, with experience in a legal team, strong organisation, and clear communication. Family law knowledge is helpful but not essential.

Qualifications

• A law degree, CILEX qualification or equivalent legal experience.
• Experience of working within a legal team.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond to urgent tasks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyse information and present it clearly.
• Experience maintaining confidential records and handling sensitive information.
• Collaborative approach and commitment to delivering an excellent legal service.
• Knowledge of family law is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support Solicitors with legal casework.
• Conduct legal and policy research.
• Prepare legal correspondence, documents and court bundles.
• Manage records and ensure documentation is maintained accurately.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including courts and legal representatives.
• Monitor deadlines and support delivery of legal advice under supervision.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of legal processes and ways of working.

Skills

Legal research

Written communication

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Law degree or equivalent

CILEX qualification

Job description

At Cafcass, we represent children in family court proceedings and independently advise the family courts about what is safe and in children's best interests. Every year, we work with thousands of children and families across England, ensuring that children's voices are heard when important decisions are being made about their lives.

We are now looking for a Paralegal to join our Legal Services team.

The role

As a Paralegal, you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of legal services across Cafcass. Working closely with the six Solicitors in the team, and colleagues across all management levels across the organisation, you will help ensure legal matters are managed effectively and efficiently. You will provide legal and administrative support to the solicitors in the conduct of their individual caseloads which will include; the preparation of court bundles; undertaking legal research as and when required, assisting in the preparation of other litigation documents under supervision. You will also be required to attend court hearings with Counsel and take detailed notes of court hearings. You will act as a key point of contact for colleagues and external partners, helping to deliver a responsive and professional service. This will also include responsibility for updating the legal intranet page and preparing legal updates for practice staff as needed.

About You

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, organised and able to work accurately in a fast-paced environment.

You Will Have

• A law degree, CILEX qualification or equivalent legal experience.
• Experience of working within a legal team.
• Excellent organisational skills, the ability to manage competing priorities is essential.
• The ability to work under pressure and respond to urgent tasks
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to analyse information and present it clearly and accurately.
• Experience of maintaining confidential records and handling sensitive information.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to delivering an excellent legal service.

Knowledge of family law would be advantageous but is not essential.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting Solicitors with legal casework
• Conducting legal and policy research.
• Preparing legal correspondence, documents and court bundles.
• Managing records and ensuring documentation is maintained accurately.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including courts and legal representatives.
• Monitoring deadlines and supporting the delivery of legal advice under supervision.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of legal processes and ways of working.

Application process and next steps

We aim to run a fair, transparent and supportive recruitment process. Indicative timescales are outlined below and may be subject to change.

Closing Date

Sunday 27th September 2026

Final Interview

wk/c Monday 19th October 2026

If you have any questions about the role or recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] in the first instance.

Successful applicants will complete several pre‑engagement checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If any criminal offences are disclosed, we will conduct an individual assessment in line with the DBS code of practice and the Cafcass DBS policy.

We look forward to receiving your application!