Paralegal - Family

Edwards & Pearce; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Hybrid working

Business events

Job summary

Edwards & Pearce is seeking a Family Care Paralegal to provide comprehensive legal and administrative support within the Family Team. You will assist solicitors on public law children matters, handle sensitive client interactions, and help manage case files across busy deadlines.

The role offers hands-on experience in Family Care law, with opportunities to develop within a supportive legal environment and a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Qualified in law or equivalent (LPC, SQE, CILEX) or relevant practical experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and strict deadlines.
• Professional, client-focused approach with confidentiality.
• Experience with Family Law and care proceedings is desirable.
• Experience preparing Court bundles and legal documentation.
• Experience supporting vulnerable clients and handling sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Assist solicitors and legal advisers with a range of Family Care matters, including care proceedings and pre-proceedings work.
• Support clients through sensitive matters with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
• Progress delegated tasks efficiently within timescales.
• Draft routine correspondence, legal documents, witness statements, and applications for review.
• Liaise with clients, Courts, Local Authorities, CAFCASS, experts, and other parties as required.
• Attend Court and client meetings where appropriate.
• Open, maintain, and update client files using the firm's case management system.
• Ensure documentation is filed, stored, and managed per firm procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and case updates.
• Monitor Court deadlines and case progression requirements.
• Assist with Court bundles and related documentation.
• Prepare and format legal documents, forms, and statements.
• Ensure documents are accurate and professionally presented.
• Comply with firm policies including data protection and due diligence.
• Assist with cost information and client communications.
• Record time accurately and assist with billing and Legal Aid administration.
• Support management of disbursements and Court-related expenses.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Prioritization

Client-focused approach

IT skills (MS Office)

Team & independence

Family Law experience

Court bundles preparation

Support vulnerable clients

Education

Law degree / SQE / LPC / CILEX

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management system

Job description

As a Family Care Paralegal within the Family Team, you will provide comprehensive legal and administrative support to Solicitors and Legal Advisers working on public law children matters. This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within Family Care law and gain hands‑on experience in a busy and supportive legal environment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Assist Solicitors and Legal Advisers with a range of Family Care matters, including care proceedings and pre‑proceedings work.
• Support clients through sensitive and often emotionally challenging matters with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
• Progress delegated tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring work is completed within required timescales.
• Draft routine correspondence, legal documents, witness statements, chronologies, and applications for review.
• Liaise with clients, Courts, Local Authorities, Counsel, CAFCASS, experts, and other third parties as required.
• Attend Court and client meetings where appropriate.
• Open, maintain, and update client files using the firm's case management system.
• Ensure all documentation is filed, stored, and managed in line with firm procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records, attendance notes, and case updates.
• Monitor and assist with meeting Court deadlines and case progression requirements.
• Assist with the preparation and management of Court bundles and supporting documentation.
• Prepare and format legal documents, forms, applications, statements, and correspondence.
• Ensure documents are accurate, professionally presented, and compliant with firm standards.
• Comply with all firm policies and procedures, including file management, client due diligence, and data protection requirements.
• Assist with preparing cost information and client communications where required.
• Record time accurately in line with departmental expectations.
• Support billing, Legal Aid administration, and other administrative processes as appropriate.
• Assist with the management of disbursements and Court‑related expenses where required.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Relevant legal qualification (e.g. Law Degree, LPC, SQE, CILEX or equivalent) or relevant practical experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to strict deadlines.
• Professional, client‑focused approach with high levels of integrity and confidentiality.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Ability to work independently on delegated tasks and as part of a team.
• Previous experience working within Family Law
• Experience of care proceedings
• Experience preparing Court bundles and legal documentation.
• Experience supporting vulnerable clients and handling sensitive matters.
• Familiarity with Court procedures and deadlines.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between offices, Courts, and client meetings where required.

BENEFITS

• Salary: £26,000 - £28,000
• Pension, DIS. Business Events, Hybrid Working

Edwards & Pearce is an Equal Opportunities Employer