Paralegal - Public Law and Human Rights

FQPS Academy Ltd.; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' holiday and 28 days for role/

Annual pay and bonus review

Health and wellbeing support

Competitive pension arrangements

Two paid volunteering days

Discounts and lifestyle benefits

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell in Cambridge is seeking a Paralegal to join the Public Law and Human Rights team. The role focuses on judicial review, public inquiries, civil liberties, and related areas, offering hands-on experience in a specialist practice.

You will support solicitors, handle document prep, research, and case records, and contribute to a high-quality client experience within a well-regarded firm.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy.
• Experience handling confidential information with discretion.
• Previous paralegal or legal support experience.
• Experience supporting fee earners with case management.
• Familiarity with public law or human rights is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Taking instructions from clients and assisting solicitors in providing legal advice.
• Supporting progression of cases, including preparing documents and conducting legal research.
• Maintaining accurate case records and managing administrative tasks.
• Aiming to meet time recording and fee-income targets.
• Building professional relationships with clients, experts and external organisations.
• Attending and contributing to team and practice area meetings.
• Keeping up to date with developments in relevant law and policy.
• Participating in training to enhance legal knowledge.
• Collaborating with colleagues to deliver excellent client service.

Skills

Strong communication

Organisational skills

Discretion & professionalism

Paralegal experience

Legal research

Client relations

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.

Our Team

We have an exciting opportunity for a Paralegal to join our Public Law and Human Rights team in our Cambridge office.

The Public Law and Human Rights team undertakes a range of work in the areas of judicial review, public inquires, civil liberties (including inquests and human rights act claims) social care, healthcare and medical treatment, mental capacity and Court of Protection welfare disputes, and trafficking cases. Our lawyers are experts in their field.

At Irwin Mitchell, we believe that everyone has the right to be treated fairly. Our Public Law & Human Rights team in Cambridge is dedicated to helping clients challenge organisations that have infringed on their rights. We have extensive experience across all fields of public law, ensuring our clients' rights are respected.

Our public law and human rights solicitors are regarded as some of the best in the country by Legal 500 and Chambers UK. We’ve taken cases to the Supreme Court, European Court of Justice, and the European Court of Human Rights. While we aim to resolve cases through negotiation and mediation, we are prepared to take clients’ fights as far as necessary to achieve the results they deserve

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience within a specialist Public Law and Human Rights team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking instructions from clients and assisting solicitors in providing legal advice.
• Supporting the progression of cases, including preparing documents, undertaking legal research and maintaining accurate case records.
• Managing administrative and case‑related tasks to ensure matters progress efficiently.
• Achieving time recording and fee income targets to support the effective running of the team.
• Building and maintaining professional relationships with clients, experts, public bodies and other external organisations.
• Attending and contributing to team and practice area meetings.
• Keeping up to date with developments in relevant law, policy and practice.
• Participating in training and development activities to enhance your legal knowledge and skills.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver an excellent client experience.

About You

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally with clients and external organisations.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Experience handling sensitive or confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Empathy and professionalism when supporting clients through challenging or complex personal circumstances.
• Previous experience working in a paralegal, legal assistant, or similar legal support role.
• Experience working within the relevant area of law.
• Experience supporting fee earners with case management and administrative tasks.

Our Approach to Reward and Wellbeing

• 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.

Applying to Irwin Mitchell

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 AI Candidate Guidance

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.

Location

Cambridge

FORA, 20 Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB1 2JD

QWE

Will this role count as your QWE, and who will confirm it?

Check it against the SRA’s questions in two minutes. If there is no COLP or solicitor where you work, the SRA lets a solicitor outside confirm it: an FQPS solicitor can, from £149.

Subscribe to our newsletter and latest SRA updates, exclusive invitation to Events, and a special gift .