An excellent opportunity for a Paralegal with an interest in a career in Family law to join our firm’s Family Law team, based in Spinningfields, Manchester.

As a Family Paralegal, you will have the unique opportunity to learn from recognised leaders in family law, with long-established reputations in their sector. It is also a role which provides a great development opportunity for those at the start of their legal career who aspire to progress.

The Department:

As one of the country’s largest and most respected family law teams, our priority is our clients. Our team’s depth of knowledge and breadth of experience means we are able to assist clients with a wide range of family law issues, offering expertise and essential support, whether it be a divorce, civil partnership dissolution, negotiating a prenuptial agreement or an issue regarding arrangements for children both nationally and internationally.

JMW’s team of family law solicitors are known for achieving excellent results for our clients. We are recognised by leading legal directories, including The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners and Spears 500, which commend our expertise in dealing with high net worth divorces, cross-border disputes and complex cases involving business assets, pensions and property. We work hard to hold onto this reputation by really looking after each one and ensuring they have all the necessary resources at their disposal. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

To enable us to deliver the right outcomes to our clients, with a commercial edge, we need effective and efficient paralegals who can support our qualified fee earners on matters. As Paralegal, you will be responsible for a wide range of general, administrative, and other legal services related tasks, including:

• Assisting our team of fee earners with preparing family cases and undertaking appropriate advocacy in connection with Family law cases.
• Communicating with clients of the department professionally and courteously, providing an effective, timely and efficient service and maintaining high client satisfaction.
• Responding to information requests, preparing emails, letters, reports and other documents.
• Maintaining a knowledge of legal principles and court procedures in relation to family cases.
• Creating and maintaining accurate and up-to-date records (both physical and electronic) of work done on legal matters such as when opening new files, closing files, archiving etc. in the firm’s case management system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:

• A commitment to ensuring excellent client service standards.
• Excellent IT skills particularly with experience in Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to pro-actively prioritise and complete work to a high standard set by other fee earners.
• Effective time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively to provide a comprehensive support service.
• Strong team working ethic.
• Ability to work well under pressure and be proactive.
• Degree educated with a strong academic record.
• A knowledge of Family law and practices and an understanding of the legal profession will be advantageous.

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.