Paralegal - Employment (LEI) (6487)

Irwin Mitchell; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellbeing support

Competitive pension arrangements

Two paid volunteering days

Holiday entitlement 25–28 days

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell in Birmingham is seeking a paralegal to support the Employment team with a focus on contentious Employment Tribunal work, including matters funded by Legal Expenses Insurance (LEI).

You will work closely with solicitors, handle a varied workload, maintain accurate records and client communications, and develop expertise across employment litigation while providing excellent service to LEI clients.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a legal environment (paralegal, legal assistant or similar).
• Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload, meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to build professional working relationships and provide a high standard of client service.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including maintaining accurate records and case documentation.
• Commitment to professional development and learning.

Skills

Legal environment experience

Workload prioritisation

Client communication

Team collaboration

Organisational skills

Professional development

Job description

As one of the UK’s leading law firms, we’re here for the people and businesses who rely on us at life’s important moments - made possible by our colleagues who bring the expertise, judgement and care that makes the difference.

Our colleagues bring Irwin Mitchell to life every day, so it matters that you feel valued from the very first day and are trusted with the responsibility, in the right culture, to do the best work of your careers. Everyone’s path here is different, but we share a desire to help our business make a real impact.

Where possible we will support our colleagues to work in a way that works for them, for us and most importantly our clients. Please speak to a member of our Recruitment and Onboarding team for more information.

The Employment team, based in Birmingham, provides support to individuals and businesses in a variety of different sectors.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work as a paralegal within our Birmingham Employment team. You’ll be supporting colleagues with a focus on contentious Employment Tribunal work, predominantly cases that are funded by Legal Expenses Insurance (LEI).

LEI is a dedicated area of work within our Birmingham team, so you’ll benefit from working closely with other colleagues who do similar work as you, as well as being part of the wider Employment team. The types of cases are varied with a mix of Claimant and Respondent claims and can include multi-party or high value claims and more straight-forward dismissal, discrimination or wages claims. In all respects, you’ll have supervision and support in the cases you’re involved in from solicitors in the team. Working with colleagues and also having direct client contact on most matters, you’ll be able to extend your expertise in all areas of employment litigation and enhance your practical skills of communication, organisation, teamwork and efficiency.

It’s a busy role with plenty of opportunities for your professional development and you’ll be immediately making a significant contribution to how our LEI team delivers ongoing excellent service to our LEI clients.

Essential Criteria

• Experience of working in a legal environment, such as a paralegal, legal assistant, or similar legal support role.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload, meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to build professional working relationships and provide a high standard of client service.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including maintaining accurate records and case documentation.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Commitment to professional development and learning.

Desirable criteria

• Previous paralegal experience supporting employment law or employment litigation matters.
• Experience of Employment Tribunal claims or contentious legal work.
• Experience dealing directly with clients and managing client communications.
• Experience drafting legal correspondence, tribunal documents or other legal documentation.
• Understanding of Legal Expenses Insurance (LEI) work or insurer-funded litigation.
• 25 days' holiday as standard, rising to 28 days depending on role level, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Opportunities to share in our success through annual pay and bonus review processes for eligible colleagues.
• Health and wellbeing support, including Westfield Health and Digital GP access.
• Competitive pension arrangements to help you plan for the future.
• Two paid volunteering days every year to support causes that matter to you.
• Access to a range of colleague discounts and lifestyle benefits to support you both inside and outside of work.

We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.

In 2026, Irwin Mitchell was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work guide and was the only law firm included in the 'Very Big' organisation category

Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim.

Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.

We want every candidate to have a positive, fair and transparent recruitment experience. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please speak to a member of our Recruitment & Onboarding team or contact [e-mail]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of modern working life. If you choose to use AI tools as part of your application or interview preparation, please review our AI in Recruitment Candidate Guidance https://careers.irwinmitchell.com/file/downloadfile/AIcandidate/PDF

As part of joining the Irwin Mitchell Group, all successful applicants are required to complete our employment screening process. We carry out pre employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and understand any criminal records or adverse financial history.

Our onboarding processes are designed to help us maintain the high standards of trust, integrity and professionalism expected by our colleagues, to protect the interests of the Group, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

Checks are conducted by trusted 3rd parties and the employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.