Requirements of Paralegal:
* You must be bright, sensible, and hardworking.
* If you have none or limited legal work experience, you compensate that with your can-do attitude.
* You have an interest in legal aid work, particularly in mental health, mental capacity law, immigration, and public law.
* You are passionate about helping people; as such, you are not looking for a 9-5 job and are willing to put in extra effort if required.
* Have completed a law degree and/or LPC.
Responsibilities of a Mental Health Paralegal:
* The role of Paralegal is offered within our Mental Health department. This is a highly specialised area of Human Rights Law that offers you the ability to research and apply your own legal knowledge, continuously learn and develop, undertake advocacy skills on a daily basis, and represent some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
* You will be expected to handle your own caseload from a relatively early stage, and as such will need to manage your own time well.
* You will be running files from start to finish, representing clients on a 1:1 basis, and travelling to your legal appointments.
* The following is included in this role:
- Opening files/matters, undertaking initial opening procedures.
- Running files from start to finish.
- Meeting with your clients on a regular basis, taking instructions, and providing clear and precise legal advice.
- Advocating on your clients' behalf – at professionals' meetings, on the wards/at hospitals, with professionals, and during hearings.
- Representing clients at Hospital Managers Hearings or First Tier Tribunal Hearings (once you have successfully completed a law society mental health accreditation scheme).
- Going above and beyond to fulfil your clients' instructions to the best of your legal ability.
- Closing physical matters/files.
Required skills:
* Ability to build and maintain rapport with clients.
* Ability to present yourself in a professional manner.
* Ability to work independently.
* Ability to manage your own caseload.
* Ability to undertake all office-based tasks/procedures with careful attention to detail.
* Ability to work with difficult/challenging clients.
You will be provided with necessary training during the first few weeks of employment and will be allocated a Mentor/Supervisor to assist you.
You must hold a UK Driver's License and have full-time access to a car.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £23,000.00 per year
Additional pay:
* Performance bonus.
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday.
Work Location: In person.
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