We have a new vacancy for a Paralegal to join the firm’s Employment department, in our Manchester Spinningfields office.

The Department:

Our specialist Employment law teams leverage their wealth of knowledge to provide expert advice to both businesses and individuals on all areas of employment law as it constantly evolves. There is very little - if anything - relating to employment law that we haven't dealt with. This is why our clients find we are the ideal law firm to have in their corner.

Our Manchester and London teams have been recognised by several legal institutions, ranking in both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. We’re also members of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA), which makes us a contributor to the voice of authority regarding employment law and gives us access to exclusive training courses and resources, as well as information and analysis of the ongoing developments in UK and European employment law.

The role:

The Paralegal role provides a great development opportunity for those at the start of their legal career who aspire to progress in the area of employment law. You will hit the ground running in your role as a Paralegal, supporting our team of experienced fee earners and partners in dealing with a range of employment-related matters. You’ll be involved in a mix of contentious and non-contentious work, and you’ll have exposure to our diverse client base which includes a large professional body.

You will be responsible for a wide range of general, administrative, and other legal services related tasks including but not limited to:

• Drafting and preparing legal documentation including pleadings, Particulars of Claim and witness statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Dealing with disclosure tasks including identifying and preparing a list of documents and reviewing disclosure from clients and opposition.
• Preparing cases for hearing and assisting in case-based legal research including obtaining informal expert opinions to assess the viability of cases.
• Creating and maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of work done on legal matters such as when opening new files, closing files, archiving etc. in the firm’s case management system.
• Accurate and efficient time recording.
• Assisting with ad hoc respondent enquiries, acting as the first line of screening and undertaking client assessments for new enquiries via our legal helpline and website.
• Involvement in drafting and preparing notes and presentations for webinars, seminars and events.

About you:

We are looking for an effective and efficient Paralegal who can demonstrate the following experience and interpersonal skills:

• Strong client communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail, maintaining a very high standard when preparing emails, letters, reports and other documents.
• Analytical skills.
• Excellent IT skills particularly with experience in Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong team working ethic.
• Ability to work well under pressure and be proactive.

While hands-on experience of employment law and Employment Tribunal cases (ideally acting for Respondents) gained in a similar role would be highly advantageous, a genuine interest in pursuing a career in employment law will be essential in this role.

Please describe in your cover letter why you are interested progressing your career in employment law

Working for JMW:

As well as a rewarding career, JMW offers its colleagues many other opportunities and benefits, including:

• A minimum of 25 days' annual leave (increasing with length of service) plus office closure between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Pension Scheme – SMART pension scheme
• Travel Insurance – covering you and eligible family members
• Death In Service - 3 x basic salary
• Private Medical Insurance (subject to opting in) and option of contributing to add eligible family members
• Income Protection - cover of up to 75% of salary
• Access to an interest free travel pass/parking loan
• A one-hour early finish, one Friday a month
• Two days a year to do charitable work, with a huge variety of events to get involved in
• The opportunity to participate in sports teams, hobby clubs, and social events
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Annual promotions process open to all
• Work and employee referral schemes

More information including a full list of our benefits and company culture can be found on the careers home page, and via our social media channels – X, Instagram, LinkedIn.