Public Law Paralegal

Job Title: Public Law Paralegal

Salary: £23,614

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)

Location: Tyseley, Birmingham (regular travel to Coventry)

About this role

The Public Law team at Central England Law Centre (CELC) provides legal advice and representation to clients across the Coventry and Birmingham area under a Legal Aid Contract.

The Public Law paralegal will play an essential and pivotal part in ensuring the smooth running of the day-to day work within the team. They will be required to provide administrative and casework support to their colleagues within the team, ensuring the needs of clients are put first and foremost in the work they do.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play an essential role in a friendly organisation that is trying to make a difference to the lives of those people in our communities that are most vulnerable.

The successful candidate will be subject to a basic DBS check.

Responsibilities:

Working alongside other members of the Law Centre, the Public Law paralegal will:

• Provide an excellent front-line service to clients visiting the law centre

• Assess client enquiries using sensitive listening and questioning skills allowing individuals to fully explain their issues

• Identify and summarise key information about client issues including time limits, key dates and any requirements for urgent advice or action

• Assess and agree the appropriate level of service, taking into consideration the client's ability to take the next step themselves, the complexity of the issue and the organisation’s resources

• Refer clients internally, informing them of what to expect and making all necessary arrangements

• Signpost clients to external organisations where appropriate

• Assess eligibility for legal aid where available

Personal Specification:

Essential

• A demonstrable commitment to social justice

• A non-judgemental attitude

• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to organise and prioritise workload, ensuring excellent service to your team and clients at all times

• Detail focused with numeric ability to complete legal aid and costing forms

• Experience of using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

Desirable

• Experience of working with the public and in a busy and demanding environment

• Experience of working with people who experienced disadvantage and/or trauma

• Experience of using case management systems

• A commitment to continuous professional development, including a willingness to develop knowledge and skills in advice topics.

• Knowledge of the work of Central England Law Centre

To submit your application, please complete the Public Law Paralegal Form on our website.

Closing date: 1pm on 7th August 2024.

Interviews will be held in week commencing: 12th or 19th May 2024.