Paralegal - Military AFCS (6519)

Irwin Mitchell; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Annual bonus review

Westfield Health

Digital GP access

Pension scheme

Two volunteering days a year

Discounts and lifestyle benefits

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell is seeking a Paralegal to join the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) Team in the Manchester or Gatwick offices, with a requirement to be in the office two days a week.

You will provide legal support to Case Handlers, manage queries with empathy, and progress cases under supervision while delivering an outstanding client experience. This role offers exposure to a growing area of Personal Injury law and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Qualifying law degree (LLB) or equivalent.
• Ability to progress tasks independently under supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication with clients and professionals.
• Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity when supporting individuals.
• Good organisational and administrative skills with accurate case records.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Willingness to attend office and travel for events.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support on a range of cases.
• Progress cases in accordance with department procedures.
• Liaise with clients and medical professionals in person, phone, and written.
• Assist with preparing meetings and obtaining medical reports.
• Support business development activities and events.

Skills

Legal support

Client liaison

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

LLB or equivalent

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.

We are seeking a paralegal to join our Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) Team, which forms part of our wider military team here at Irwin Mitchell.

Irwin Mitchell is one of the few firms to offer a rare opportunity to specialise in this high profile and deeply rewarding area of Personal Injury law. Serious injury and illness can have a dramatic and sometimes life changing impact for the person affected and for those who are close to them. The serious injury teams at Irwin Mitchell don’t just deal with compensation claims. We also work with our clients and their families to ensure all of their rehabilitation needs are met. It’s a unique, bespoke approach that really makes a difference to people whose lives have been turned upside down by injury.

As a Paralegal you will play an integral role in the team, working together with qualified Case Handlers to provide legal support on a number of cases to deliver an outstanding client experience. You will be responsible for ensuring that client queries are dealt with quickly, efficiently and with empathy, taking appropriate actions. You will work independently under supervision and as part of a team to progress cases in accordance with the department’s procedures to meet agreed personal targets.

You’ll liaise regularly with a wide range of clients and medical professionals, in person, over the phone and in writing. Whether arranging meetings, seeking medical reports and chasing information, you’ll need to show a sensitive and professional approach at all times.

This role will be based in either the Manchester or Gatwick office, with an expectation of two days per week in the office. You will be required to support business development activities and attend events, which will involve occasional travel, so we are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and eager to get involved.

This vacancy presents the opportunity to develop expertise and build a reputation in a growing area of law.

Essential Criteria

• A qualifying law degree (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification.
• Ability to manage and progress tasks independently under supervision, maintaining accuracy and meeting agreed deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients, medical professionals and other external organisations.
• Demonstrable empathy, professionalism and sensitivity when supporting individuals experiencing challenging personal circumstances.
• Good organisational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate case records.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to attend the office as required and undertake occasional travel to support business development activities and client or professional events.

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience in a legal support, paralegal or case-handling role.
• Knowledge of Personal Injury law, military claims, or the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).
• Experience liaising with medical professionals or obtaining and reviewing medical records and reports.
• Experience working in a client-facing environment where excellent customer service was required.
• Experience supporting business development, networking or external events.
• 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.

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.