Family Law Paralegal – Training Contract Opportunity

Location: Luton, Bedfordshire
Salary: £24,432 per annum,
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Working Pattern: Full-time, office-based
Visa Sponsorship: Not available

About the Opportunity

An established family law firm based in Luton is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Paralegal to join its team.

This is an opportunity for an aspiring solicitor to gain practical experience within a specialist family law practice, develop their legal skills and work alongside experienced practitioners.

The firm advises on a broad range of family law matters, including divorce and financial remedy proceedings, children law, domestic abuse matters and related disputes. The successful candidate will assist with case preparation, legal research, document drafting and client liaison while developing a sound understanding of family law procedures and professional practice.

The position would suit a law graduate or aspiring solicitor who is keen to build their experience, strengthen their practical legal skills and develop a long-term career within family law.

For a suitable candidate, there may be an opportunity to be considered for a training contract in the future, subject to performance, suitability, the firm's business needs and the availability of an appropriate position. A training contract is not guaranteed.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship for this role.

The Role

Working under the supervision of experienced solicitors, you will assist with the day-to-day management of a varied family law caseload and support the delivery of professional, client-focused legal services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with divorce, separation and financial remedy proceedings.
• Supporting private and public children law cases.
• Assisting with domestic abuse matters and applications for protective injunctions.
• Supporting cohabitation disputes and claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA).
• Assisting with Schedule 1 applications under the Children Act 1989.
• Assisting with the preparation of pre-nuptial agreements and other family law agreements.
• Drafting legal documents, correspondence and other case-related materials.
• Conducting legal research and assisting with case preparation for hearings.
• Preparing court bundles and organising relevant case documentation.
• Liaising professionally with clients, courts, counsel and other legal professionals.
• Maintaining accurate case files and updating case management systems.
• Assisting with Legal Aid procedures, eligibility checks and applications, where applicable.
• Supporting hearing preparation and attending court where appropriate.

You will receive appropriate supervision and guidance, with responsibilities developing in line with your experience, capabilities and professional development.

About You

We are looking for a candidate with a genuine interest in family law, strong organisational skills and a commitment to developing a career in the legal profession.

To be considered, you should have:

• A law degree or an equivalent relevant academic qualification.
• A clear interest in pursuing a career as a solicitor.
• Progress towards qualification through the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route would be desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good legal research, drafting and analytical abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and a professional approach to client care.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively as part of a team.
• A willingness to learn, accept feedback and develop under supervision.
• Competence with standard IT applications and the ability to learn new case management systems.
• The right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship for this position.

Previous experience in a legal practice, particularly within family law, would be advantageous but is not essential. Applications are welcomed from candidates who can demonstrate relevant transferable skills, enthusiasm and the potential to develop within the role.

Desirable Experience

Experience in any of the following areas would be beneficial:

• Paralegal or legal assistant work.
• Family law or other client-focused legal casework.
• Legal Aid and privately funded matters.
• Preparing legal documents, court bundles and case files.
• Conducting legal research and assisting with court preparation.
• Working directly with clients in a legal or professional environment.

Training and Professional Development

The firm aims to support the professional development of its team by providing appropriate supervision, practical experience and constructive feedback.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Develop practical experience across a range of family law matters.
• Strengthen legal research, drafting and case management skills.
• Gain experience of court procedures and client care.
• Learn from experienced practitioners in a specialist legal environment.
• Develop an understanding of Legal Aid and privately funded work, where applicable.
• Build the skills and experience needed to progress within the legal profession.

Training Contract

There is an opportunity for a suitable candidate to be considered for a training contract in the future. Any progression would depend on the candidate's performance and suitability, the firm's recruitment needs and the availability of an appropriate position.

A training contract is not guaranteed, and candidates should not accept this position on the assumption that a training contract will be offered.

What's on Offer?

• A salary of £24,432
• A 35-hour working week.
• A full-time, office-based position in Luton.
• Practical experience across a varied family law caseload.
• Support and supervision from experienced legal practitioners.
• Opportunities to develop legal research, drafting and case management skills.
• Exposure to Legal Aid and privately funded work, where applicable.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Potential consideration for a future training contract, subject to the firm's requirements and the availability of a suitable position.

Important Employment Information

• This is a full-time, office-based position in Luton.
• Visa sponsorship is not available. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship for this role.
• The salary offered will depend on the successful candidate's experience and suitability, within the advertised range.
• The contract type and duration should be confirmed as part of the recruitment process.
• Any potential future training contract is subject to the firm's requirements and is not guaranteed.

How to Apply

If you are interested in developing your career in family law and believe you have the skills, enthusiasm and commitment required for this position, please submit your CV.