Paralegal (12 month FTC)- Public Law - Just for Kids

Deadline 6 January 2025

Just for Kids Law is looking for a paralegal who has experience and strong interest in public inquires, children's rights, and influencing public policy.

This is an unique and exciting opportunity to work in our Public Law Team. The role will mainly, but not exclusively, relate to the Covid-19 Inquiry, Module 8: Children and Young People. Working with our policy team, other core participants and counsel to assist the Inquiry as to whether the best interests and rights of children and young people were considered as part of the process of core political and administrative decision-making in response to Covid-19.

Role Summary

Contract term: Fixed-term contract to the 31st December 2025 which may be extended  

Hours: Full time (35 hours per week) 

Salary: £26,486 - £31,036 dependent on experience in directly relevant role

Probation period: 3 months 

Detailed responsibility and person specification can be found here.
 
Just for Kids Law believes in the value of a diverse workforce and encourages applications from people from all ethnic, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds: in particular, people from BAME, LGBTQI+ communities. We strive to create a diverse working environment where anyone, regardless of background, can thrive. 

Responsibilities:

Casework & Litigation

• Under the supervision of the Covid-19 Inquiry Solicitor providing high quality representation with a high degree of professionalism, and conducting work in such a way as to meet relevant external standards (e.g. Specialist Quality Mark, SRA, BSB and OISC etc.)
• Meeting with and taking instructions from team at JFKL/CRAE 
• Drafting witness statements and letters
• Managing, analysing and distilling a large volume of complex data and documents
• Conducting and presenting legal research
• Attending conferences and court hearings
• Attending and contributing to internal and external meetings
• Liaising with Pro Bono Team at Norton Rose Fulbright undertaking the document review
• Drafting witness summaries, and other necessary legal documents to assist with Inquiry Investigations.
• Reviewing evidence from key witnesses appearing before the Covid Inquiry Hearing
• Working collaboratively with team members in the preparation of documents and evidence for the Inquiry.
• Assisting Counsel on key matters related to the Inquiry.
• Performing necessary administrative duties and managing internal processes.
• Supporting JFKL marketing and business development activities
• Ensuring that all time recording is entered onto the JFKL Case Management System to enable accurate reporting and maximize income
• Undertaking billing in a timely manner in line with the COVID-19 Costs Protocol

Cross-organisational team working

• Acting as an active member of JFKL legal team, attending meetings and representing the Public Law Team as and when required
• Contributing to cross organisational communications, campaigns, and other projects

General responsibilities

• Attending and participating in internal, external meetings as required including meetings outside of normal working hours where necessary
• Being a positive, cooperative, and constructive team member, upholding the values of JFKL
• Complying with JFKL’s monitoring and recording requirements both internally for SMT/Board and externally for Funders, Stakeholders, the Covid-19 Inquiry and the Legal Aid Agency if required
• Ensuring compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, BSB and OISC requirements where appropriate. Including maintaining a Personal Competence record of all objectives in terms of training and development needs and any courses or training undertaken to evidence compliance
• Representing and promoting the organisation’s work positively
• Carrying out all work with due regard to JFKL’s policies and procedure
• Promoting Equality and Diversity principles in all aspects of work

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles of public law and administrative review, and specifically the duties owed by public bodies towards, children and young people.
• Knowledge of the Human Rights Act, and the UNCRC
• Knowledge of the duties owed by the local authority in supporting children and young people in need and in care/leaving care.
• Knowledge of the youth justice system, and the policy issues related to the children within it.
• Knowledge of the CPR and Judicial Review procedures.
• Knowledge of legal aid requirements, public funding applications and billing files.

Qualifications and training

A degree in law or other equivalent qualification including ILEX or an alternative degree in any other subject with relevant legal experience.

Before you apply, please read the person specification and job description in the PDF file below as its outlines the skills, knowledge and experience required for the role. 

How to Apply

Return a completed application form to humanresources@justforkidslaw.org

Application Deadline:11:59pm Monday 6th January 2025

Interview date: Mid January 2025 to be confirmed

If you have any questions about the roles or the recruitment process, please get in touch at humanresources@justforkidslaw.org