Childcare Paralegal

Childcare Paralegal / 1+ PQE / Sunderland / c£30,000 DOE / The firm is seeking a motivated and detail focused Paralegal with a strong interest in public children law and a commitment to developing a long term career within this specialist area – To apply please call Teagan on 0113 320 0575 and quote Job Ref: 3616

JOB TITLE: Childcare Paralegal                  
PQE REQUIRED: 1+        
LOCATION: Sunderland                
SALARY: c£30,000 (DOE)                     

THE ROLE:
The Paralegal will provide specialist support to Fee Earners across a broad range of public law children matters, including care proceedings under the Children Act 1989, pre-proceedings under the Public Law Outline and urgent applications such as emergency protection orders, supervision orders and special guardianship orders. The role will involve assisting with the preparation, filing and service of court documents including statements, chronologies, threshold documents, Scott Schedules, position statements and trial bundles in accordance with the Family Procedure Rules 2010 and PD27A. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing case timetables, tracking deadlines and ensuring compliance with all court orders and procedural requirements. The role will also include drafting attendance notes, instructions to counsel and experts and PLO correspondence. The Paralegal will liaise regularly with vulnerable clients, local authorities, CAFCASS, Children’s Guardians, counsel and experts, ensuring a trauma-informed and sensitive approach at all times. The position will also involve the collation and management of evidence, preparation of e-bundles, compliance with disclosure and data protection obligations and assistance with Legal Aid funding applications and CCMS processes. The role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and the ability to maintain full file compliance in line with SRA and regulatory standards.

THE CANDIDATE:
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong drafting and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and prepare accurate court documentation within a fast paced legal environment. Previous experience in family law, local authority work or legal aid matters would be advantageous, although it is not essential as full training will be provided. The ideal candidate will be confident communicating with vulnerable clients and multi-agency professionals and will adopt a calm, empathetic and professional approach at all times. A law degree, GDL, CILEX or equivalent qualification would be desirable, alongside strong IT proficiency and experience using case management systems and e-bundling software. The firm is particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate commitment, resilience and a genuine desire to build a career in child protection law, with a clear progression pathway towards qualification as a Child Care Solicitor and potential future membership of the Law Society Children’s Panel.

THE FIRM:
The firm is a progressive and ambitious law practice with a long established reputation for delivering high quality legal services and outstanding client care. It has a strong and growing public law children practice and is committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families through complex legal processes. The firm operates within a supportive and collaborative working environment where professional development is actively encouraged and employees are given clear opportunities for progression. The organisation is Lexcel accredited and maintains a strong focus on compliance, quality and client service. The team is based in a modern, city centre office environment with excellent facilities and transport links and benefits from a forward-thinking leadership team committed to continued growth and innovation.

PACKAGE:
The role offers a competitive starting salary dependent on experience, alongside a full training programme and structured career progression pathway towards qualification as a Child Care Solicitor. The firm provides ongoing supervision, development support and clear progression opportunities, including potential future advancement towards Children Panel membership. Employees benefit from a pension scheme, holiday entitlement plus additional festive closure periods and access to employee discount schemes. The firm promotes a supportive and friendly working culture with regular performance reviews, training opportunities and strong emphasis on career development within a specialist area of law.

HOW TO APPLY:
Contact Teagan Portas at eNL on 0113 320 0575 / 0161 850 0745 or email teagan.portas@enllegal.co.uk with your CV, or simply call for a confidential discussion.

eNL will never share your CV with a third party without your express permission. As part of our candidate care process, we aim to respond to all applications in 7 days. If you have not been contacted within this timescale, your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide.

At eNL we value diversity and inclusion. We want to attract people at all levels and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates whatever your ethnicity, religion, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any characteristics protected by law in the jurisdictions in which we operate.