Graduate Paralegal

Role: Graduate Paralegal - LA Discrimination
Reports to: Department Manager
Office base: Wigan, WN3 5BA
Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon - Fri. You will be required to work to 6pm twice a week to meet the requirements of the department.
Are you a law graduate looking for an exciting, new opportunity? Or are you already an experienced paralegal looking to accelerate your career? What about working for a well-respected firm who genuinely cares about your career and development? We have an exciting opportunity for three Paralegals to join our within our LA Discrimination department. The team is in a period of growth and Stephensons supports several routes to qualification (including graduate apprenticeships, SQE / LPC and training contracts). There is a clear focus on the development of staff to progress at Stephensons

The Role
The role involves working within the firms LA Discrimination department. You will take and deal with initial enquiries regarding discrimination matters, support and assist fee earners in the progression of the resulting case files and (where appropriate) deal with clients and their affairs in a cost effective manner.

What you'll be doing?
Attending and advising clients predominately with discrimination issues and wider employment matters (where appropriate).
Take and process new instructions.
Assessing the merits of potential discrimination claims and advising clients of the same.
Drafting advice documents.
Dealing with Legal Help enquiries.
Dealing with both Employment Tribunal and Civil discrimination matters and procedures.
Provide guidance, support and training to other staff as required.
Assisting fee earners in the department in effective case management, including (but not exclusively) drafting pleadings, preparing instructions to counsel, arranging and attending conferences, letters of claim, statements, protocol steps, advocacy and attendance at Hearings, preparation of funding documents, requesting and returning relevant documents.
Control and management of work in progress ensuring that it is recorded and converted into paid profit costs under supervision and direction.
Effective management of own time ensuring that non chargeable and chargeable hours targets are met under supervision and guidance.
Carrying out administrative duties as appropriate.
Compliance with client care and complaints procedures in order to minimize the risk of negligence and comply with Law Society rules.

About You
First we ask that you have a genuine interest in this area of Law. We will also require a Law degree or relevant work experience to be considered.
Essential:-
Ability to work as part of a team
Time management/organisational skills
Research skills
Attention to detail
High standard of communication skills both written and oral including a professional telephone manner
Discretion and ability to work in a confidential environment
Pleasant Approachable, patient, polite
Ability to work amidst frequent interruptions
Adaptability and Flexibility
Ability to work as part of a team
Shows an interest in the legal profession and in developing their career within a law firm
Desirable:-
Experience of working in or studying the field of Discrimination, Employment and/or civil litigation generally.
Knowledge of Stephensons Client Care Procedures
We also look for individuals who embody our brand values; approachable, flexible, inclusive, resilient and supportive.

Why Stephensons?
Stephensons is an award winning, top 150 law firm with a strong commitment to the future growth and development of the business. With an ambitious mind set, yet approachable and down to earth attitude, Stephensons provides an exciting place for long term career development and progression. Whilst we do look for highly motivated and driven individuals, we also have a strong commitment to work life balance and flexibility.

What can we offer?
Flexibility! Our agile/hybrid way of working means you get to work from where you feel comfortable. You can work from home, and we have modern and comfortable offices in Wigan where you can spend time with your team. We are extremely flexible and have the utmost respect for your personal lives. There are no expectations on you to work long hours or to sacrifice your personal lives for work.

What else can we offer?
Generous annual leave package which increases with service
Salary sacrifice pension scheme
Early monthly pay scheme
Life Assurance
Holiday sale & purchase scheme*
Well-being package (financial, physical and mental health support)
Free parking
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay*
Will writing service*
Season ticket & travel support
Payroll giving scheme
Social events & clubs
Reward and recognition schemes
Internal referral scheme
Retail vouchers/cashback schemes
Free eye tests
Cycle to work scheme
Service length conditions apply