Childcare Law Paralegal / Trainee Solicitor

To provide legal and administrative support to the Childcare Law Department in the delivery of high-quality legal services to clients involved in public and private children law matters. The post holder will assist solicitors in managing their caseloads, ensuring matters are progressed efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of client care, regulatory compliance and professional conduct.

The role offers an excellent opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and practical experience in childcare law, with the potential for progression within the firm.

Key Responsibilities Case Management

• Assist solicitors in managing a varied caseload of childcare and family law matters.
• Support the preparation of cases involving:
  • Care proceedings.
  • Supervision proceedings.
  • Emergency Protection Orders.
  • Interim Care Orders.
  • Special Guardianship Orders.
  • Adoption matters.
  • Child arrangements and other private law children matters where required.
• Open, maintain, and close files in accordance with firm procedures.
• Ensure files are accurately maintained using the firm's case management system.
• Monitor key dates and court deadlines.

Legal Support

• Draft routine correspondence and legal documents.
• Prepare court bundles, hearing files, and trial documentation.
• Draft attendance notes, witness statements, applications and instructions to counsel under supervision.
• Undertake legal research and prepare case summaries.
• Liaise with courts, barristers, local authorities, CAFCASS, experts and other professionals.
• Attend client meetings and court hearings with supervising solicitors where appropriate.

Client Care

• Act as a first point of contact for clients.
• Provide professional, empathetic and responsive support to vulnerable clients.
• Keep clients informed of case progress in accordance with the firm's client care standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements at all times.

Legal Aid and Compliance

• Assist with Legal Aid applications, amendments and billing where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Code of Conduct.
• Maintain accurate time recording and file management.
• Support file reviews and audit preparation.

Business Support

• Assist with departmental administration.
• Support business development and networking activities where appropriate.
• Attend departmental meetings and training sessions.
• Undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and remain up to date with developments in childcare and family law.

Person Specification

• Law degree, Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), SQE preparation, LPC, or equivalent legal qualification.
• Genuine interest in childcare and family law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.
• Professional and empathetic approach when dealing with vulnerable clients.
• IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Previous experience within a family law or childcare law department.
• Experience working with legally aided matters.
• Knowledge of public law children proceedings.
• Membership of relevant legal organisations or student legal societies.
• Excellent client care.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Resilience and ability to work under pressure.
• Problem-solving and initiative.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Commitment to learning and professional development.

Performance Measures

Performance will be assessed against:

• Quality and accuracy of work.
• Effective management of allocated tasks and deadlines.
• Compliance with Legal Aid Agency and SRA requirements.
• Client satisfaction and quality of client care.
• Contribution to the efficient operation of the department.
• Professional development and willingness to learn.-team?">