Paralegal - Public Law/ Human Rights (6499)

Irwin Mitchell; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Annual bonus review

Westfield Health

Competitive pension

Two volunteering days

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell is seeking a paralegal or legal assistant to join our Public Law and Human Rights team in the UK. You will support solicitors on a varied caseload across Court of Protection, Education, and Health and Social Care matters, taking instructions, preparing documents, and maintaining case records.

The role offers hands-on experience in a leading national firm with a strong commitment to training, client service and professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience in a paralegal or legal assistant role.
• Strong written and verbal communication with clients and external organisations.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to manage priorities.
• Experience handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Empathy and professionalism when supporting clients through challenging circumstances.
• Experience in case management tasks and administrative support.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Legal support experience

Written & verbal communication

Organisation skills

Discretion with confidential info

Empathy & professionalism

Case management systems

Education

No specific degree required, legal support background

Tools

Case management systems

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.

People from every walk of life have the right to be treated fairly. Our experts help clients challenge organisations and public bodies when their rights have been infringed or they have experienced discrimination.

We have extensive experience across all areas of public law and use our knowledge and expertise to ensure our clients’ rights are respected. We support clients in matters involving:

• Government departments
• Local councils
• Hospitals, care homes and health trusts
• Schools and Local Education Authorities
• Other public bodies

Our Public Law and Human Rights team is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK as one of the leading teams in the country. We have successfully represented clients in cases reaching the Supreme Court and are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes. While we always seek to resolve disputes through negotiation and mediation where appropriate, we are equally prepared to pursue cases as far as necessary to secure justice for our clients.

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.

You will support solicitors on a varied caseload across at least one of the team’s principal practice areas, including Court of Protection (Health & Welfare), Education, and Health and Social Care matters.

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.

Essential Criteria

• Previous experience working in a paralegal, legal assistant, or similar legal support role.
• 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.

Desirable criteria

• Experience working within the relevant area of law.
• Experience supporting fee earners with case management and administrative tasks.
• 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.