Paralegal – Family Department – Derby

Bhatia Best Solicitors is a leading East Midlands law firm with specialist expertise in Criminal Defence, Family Law, Personal Injury, Public Law, and Community Care. We are committed to providing exceptional legal services and achieving the best outcomes for our clients.

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and dedicated Paralegal to join our busy and expanding Family Law Department in Derby. This role offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience working alongside experienced legal professionals in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

As a Paralegal within our Family Department, you will:

• Assist in advising and supporting clients on a range of family law matters.
• Communicate professionally with clients, counsel, courts, experts, and other professionals via telephone, video conferencing, email, and in person.
• Support senior fee earners with the progression and management of case files.
• Undertake fee-earning work, including legal research, drafting correspondence, court documents, applications, and other legal documentation.
• Ensure compliance with the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) standards and all internal procedures and quality requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records using the firm’s case management system.
• Contribute to the efficient and profitable operation of the department.
• Participate in training and professional development initiatives.
• Support the development and integration of new team members where appropriate.
• Adhere to the firm’s policies, procedures, and Office Manual.
• Maintain the highest standards of client confidentiality and legal professional privilege.
• Promote positive relationships with clients, their families, referrers, and prospective clients.

Person Specification

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong drafting skills with the ability to prepare a variety of legal documents.
• Good analytical skills and the ability to apply legal principles to factual situations.
• Effective negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities, with excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Essential

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Law degree (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification.
• Completion of, or currently studying towards, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or Legal Practice Course (LPC).
• Understanding of professional conduct obligations, client care standards, and confidentiality requirements.

Desirable

• Previous experience within a Family Law department.
• Experience using a legal case management system.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to develop your career within a respected and growing law firm.
• Exposure to a broad range of Family Law matters.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

Working Hours

This is a full-time, office-based position.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm, with a one-hour lunch break.

How To Apply

Please submit your CV together with a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role and your salary expectations.

Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Previous applicants need not apply.

Bhatia Best Solicitors is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be pleased to accommodate your needs.