We’re a national law firm with a local reach. Our legal experts are here for you. Whether it’s personal or business, we understand that everyone’s situation is different. But we’re more than just a law firm – we’re a team of people working together to help individuals and businesses navigate life’s ups and downs. Working here you’ll feel a part of our friendly and inclusive environment.

We’ll value you for who you are and what you bring. We support each other and push boundaries to achieve incredible things and make a real difference to our clients and communities.

We're always looking to support our colleagues to work in a way that works best for them and everyone else, including our clients, the business and the regulators. Please speak to a member of our Recruitment and Onboarding team for more information.

The Court of Protection is the judicial body responsible for making decisions relating to the management of finances and other affairs of individuals who lack the mental capacity to do so themselves.

As one of the UK's leading firms of solicitors, we have a dedicated and experienced team specialising in all matters relating to the Court of Protection. We support clients, families and professionals in managing financial affairs and making decisions that are in our clients' best interests, delivering a high standard of service during what can often be complex and sensitive circumstances.

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing 

As a Paralegal, you will be the first point of contact for many enquiries received by the team, ensuring queries are responded to, directed and escalated appropriately.

This is a key role that involves liaising with clients, families, colleagues and external stakeholders to provide support and assist with matters that are often time-sensitive and emotionally sensitive. You will play an important role in delivering an excellent client experience while supporting case handlers to focus on deputyship work and maintain strong relationships with families and external parties.

You will be required to attend our Manchester office once per week.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Liaising with key stakeholders, including case managers, fee earners and other colleagues across the business regarding matters arising on client files.
• Acting as a first point of contact for client and stakeholder enquiries, ensuring timely and professional responses.
• Taking instructions from clients and assisting with the delivery of legal advice, including gathering information and evidence where appropriate to support the progression of matters.
• Supporting the resolution of client matters in line with team and service standards.
• Maintaining accurate records and ensuring case-related information is recorded appropriately.
• Achieving time recording and fee income targets to support effective and profitable working practices.
• Attending and contributing to team and practice area meetings.
• Following agreed processes, policies and team objectives to support the effective delivery of services.

We're looking for a motivated and organised individual who is committed to delivering excellent client service and enjoys working in a collaborative team environment.

Essential criteria

• Experience of providing professional client or customer service and responding to enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrable interest in Court of Protection work and supporting clients who may be experiencing sensitive or challenging circumstances.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy, professionalism and discretion.
• Good IT and administrative skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and manage case-related information.

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience working within a Court of Protection environment, particularly in Property and Affairs matters.
• Previous experience working in a legal, professional services or regulated environment.
• Experience gathering information, obtaining evidence or supporting case preparation activities.
• Understanding of mental capacity issues and the role of the Court of Protection.

• 25 days holidays as standard plus bank holidays - You can ‘buy’ up to 35hrs of extra holiday too.
• Generous and flexible pension schemes.
• Volunteering days – Two days of volunteering every year for a cause of your choice (fully paid)
• Westfield Health membership, offering refunds on medical services alongside our Aviva Digital GP services.

We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.  This includes our Flexible by Choice programme which gives our colleagues more choice over a hybrid way of working subject to role, team and client requirements.

We have been ranked in the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing for Large Organisations for 2024!

Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim. 

Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.

As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group’s on-boarding process all successful applicants are required to complete the group’s employment screening process. This process helps to ensure that all new employees meet our standards in relation to honesty and integrity therefore protecting the interests of the Group, colleagues, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

We carry out pre employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record and financial checks ­with our trusted 3rd parties.

The employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.