Job description
3441
We’re a national law firm with a local reach. Our philosophy is ‘Expert Hand, Human Touch’ – something you’ll find in the way we work with our clients and how we support our teams. But, we’re more than just a law firm – we’re a team, working together to help individuals and businesses navigate life’s ups and downs.
Whichever team you join, working here you’ll feel a part of our friendly and inclusive environment. We’ll value you for who you are and what you bring. We support each other and push boundaries to achieve incredible things, and make a real difference to our clients and communities.
The work we do has been recognised in the awards we’ve won. We’re committed to being even better, and our awards help to show we’re on the right track.
We recognise that the office 9-5 isn’t for everyone. That’s why we’ve introduced ‘Flexible by Choice’. Whether it’s working from home, in our offices, or a combination of the both, we trust each other to support our clients, colleagues and communities at the right time, in the right way.
Our Team
We currently have a paralegal opportunity within the Public Law and Human Rights Department in our London office to undertake casework and support on a range of public law and human rights cases.
The team undertake a range of work in the areas of judicial review, civil liberties (including inquests and actions against the police), education, social care, healthcare and medical treatment, mental capacity and Court of Protection welfare disputes. Our lawyers are experts in their field. The successful applicant for this role will work either with a solicitor specialising in judicial review, health & social care and Court of Protection, or with a solicitor specialising in civil liberties, as well as working with other members of the team.
Our Public Law and Human Rights department is ranked as a leader in a range of fields in both the Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 directories. Many of our solicitors are ranked individually.
We are instructed in interesting and often high profile, cutting-edge cases. We have forged a national reputation for our work on test cases. We have a national reach, with public law teams in ten offices across the country.
We hold Legal Aid Agency contracts in public law, community care and actions against the police and are also instructed by privately funded individuals, professional associations and institutions including national and local charities and other voluntary organisations. We work closely with our colleagues and teams in Irwin Mitchell to provide a holistic service to our clients.
Our London team is based in prominent city centre offices. In addition to your competitive basic salary we have an extensive benefits package including, discounted legal services, 25 days’ holiday (increases with length of service), discounted online shopping, season ticket loans, childcare vouchers and critical illness cover. This will be a role for a permanent contract, subject to a probation period being successfully completed.
What We're Looking For
Paralegal or public law/human rights experience, particularly within the above areas or other areas of law, would be an advantage, although this is not essential. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the areas of work referred to above.
Successful candidates will have excellent client care skills and a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of clients’ needs. As a firm we are committed to protecting clients’ rights and the successful candidate should also have good communication skills in order to be able to work effectively with a range of people.
Candidates will also be expected to have excellent analytical and organisational skills, be committed to teamwork, take a thorough approach to documenting their work, be IT literate, attentive to detail, and have the ability to use their own initiative. A working knowledge of legal aid systems is also desirable. This position would suit well-motivated individuals with intelligence, ambition, lateral thinking skills and sound judgment. You must hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent.
If you thrive on being busy and can adapt well to new challenges, then we will give you all the training and support you’ll need to help you succeed in this highly rewarding role.
What we can offer you
- 25 days annual leave, with the opportunity to buy additional leave
- Two fundraising days in a year to give back to the community (fully paid!)
- Westfield Health membership, offering discounted leisure and travel and refunds on medical services
We also offer a huge number of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace as well as flexible working options to ensure that you are fully supported to work the way that best suits you. Our social responsibility programme is fundamental to who we are. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish. We have a range of groups to celebrate our people across sexuality, disability, age, gender and culture.
We welcome applications from all diversity groups and backgrounds. We’re committed to enabling everyone to thrive and understanding and celebrating our differences is a key part of that. We’re proud of our work on the Disability Confident scheme, on the Race At Work Charter and as Stonewall Diversity Champions. We also have a range of networks for LGBT+, disability, generations, gender, social mobility, ethnicity, faith and culture to celebrate our people and to enable everyone to thrive.
Additional Information
As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group’s on-boarding process all successful applicants are required to complete the group’s employment screening process. This process helps to ensure that all new employees meet our standards in relation to honesty and integrity therefore protecting the interests of the Group, existing employees, clients, partners and other stakeholders.
Depending on the role you apply for we may carry out checks that will establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and criminal record check and financial checks with a credit reference agency will also be undertaken.
The employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.
Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.