Job Title: Paralegal
Department: Family Department
Location: Leeds
Reports To: Department Directors

Purpose of the Role

To provide effective legal and administrative support to the Family Law Department, assisting fee earners and solicitors with a caseload of publicly funded family matters. The role involves working closely with vulnerable clients, preparing legal documents, maintaining Legal Aid Agency compliance, and supporting the progression of cases from initial enquiry through to conclusion.

The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality legal service whilst ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements, Lexcel standards, and internal procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Assist solicitors and fee earners with publicly funded family law cases.
Manage allocated tasks and a caseload under supervision.
Open, maintain and close case files in accordance with office procedures.
Take initial instructions from clients and prepare attendance notes.
Draft routine correspondence, witness statements, court forms and legal documents.
Prepare court bundles and supporting documentation.
Liaise with clients, courts, counsel, experts, CAFCASS and external agencies.
Arrange appointments, conferences and court hearings.
Attend court hearings as and when required to do so.
Ensure all case management records are updated accurately and promptly.

Legal Aid Administration

Assist with legal aid applications and amendments.
Obtain and review evidence of means and merits.
Ensure compliance with Legal Aid Agency contractual requirements.
Record outcomes and maintain accurate funding information.
Assist with file audits and compliance checks.
Monitor funding limits and notify supervising solicitors where extensions or amendments may be required.

Client Care

Deliver a professional, empathetic and client-focused service.
Communicate effectively with vulnerable clients and those experiencing difficult personal circumstances.
Keep clients updated regarding the progress of their matters.
Ensure client confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Identify any safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately.

Court and Hearing Preparation

Prepare bundles for court.
Draft schedules, chronologies and supporting documents.
Attend court where appropriate to support fee earners and clients.
Liaise with counsel regarding documentation and instructions.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

Ensure compliance with:

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements.
Legal Aid Agency contractual obligations.
Lexcel standards.
Data Protection legislation.
Firm policies and procedures.
Assist with internal audits and quality assurance exercises.
Maintain accurate time recording and file management standards.

General Duties

Participate in departmental meetings and training.
Maintain legal knowledge through continuing professional development.
Support colleagues across the department when required.
Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role.

Person Specification

Essential

Qualifications

Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent.
Law degree, GDL, CILEX qualification or equivalent legal experience.

Experience

Previous experience in a legal environment.
Experience managing confidential information.
Familiarity with client care responsibilities.
Experience of working within administrative and procedural frameworks.

Skills and Knowledge

Excellent organisational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and case management systems.
Professional and empathetic approach to client care.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

Previous experience within a Family Law department.
Experience of Legal Aid work.
Knowledge of CCMS.
Understanding of Legal Aid Agency requirements.
Experience preparing court bundles.
Experience dealing with vulnerable clients.

Key Competencies

Client Focus
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Professionalism
Time Management
Problem Solving
Accountability
Confidentiality and Integrity

Career Development

This role offers an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking to progress within Family Law and may provide a pathway towards qualification as a Solicitor, CILEX Lawyer, or Senior Paralegal subject to performance and business needs.

Benefits

Competitive salary.
Generous annual leave allowance.
Paid time off for your Birthday.
Company pension scheme.
Employee Assistance Programme.
Professional development opportunities.
Supportive team environment.

Equal Opportunities

The firm is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Please send your CV through to Freya Cumiskey, Practice Manager, f.cumiskey@henryhyams.com

Henry Hyams is recruiting for a fee earner to join their expanding conveyancing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly driven and motivated candidate to join a close conveyancing team with a well-established reputation in the Leeds area.

The role will principally handle residential freehold sale, purchase, and remortgage transactions under the supervision of the Directors of the Department.

Key Tasks and Job Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of residential property matters from inception to completion:
Managing a caseload of residential property matters including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases
Dealing with re-mortgages, transfers of equity and new builds.
Conducting title checks, raising and responding to enquiries.
Liaising with clients, estate agents, lenders and other solicitors.
Ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
Knowledge and experience with Anti Money Laundering processes and procedures

Knowledge, Experience and Competences

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience of Residential Conveyancing.
Legal qualifications are not a requirement but advantageous.
Strong experience handling residential conveyancing transactions from instruction through to completion
The ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision
Excellent communication and client care skills
A proactive and organised approach to managing a busy caseload
A collaborative attitude and commitment to team success
Familiarity with case management systems and a confident IT user

Compliance

Adhere to the requirements of Lexcel and the Quality Procedures Manual (QPM) in the capacity of your role.
Ensure compliance with the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS).
Adhere to the SRA Rules and Regulations in the capacity of your role.
Ensure to follow the Staff Handbook policies and procedures.
Maintain your Learning and Development log.
Contribute to the Marketing and Business Development of the Department.

Please send your CV through to Freya Cumiskey, Practice Manager, f.cumiskey@henryhyams.com

Henry Hyams Solicitors is seeking a capable and motivated Criminal Defence Solicitor a minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience to join our established and well-respected Criminal Law team.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your experience in a busy and reputable practice, handling a varied caseload and providing high-quality representation to clients at all stages of the criminal justice process.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of criminal matters with appropriate supervision, including: 
Police station attendances
Magistrates’ Court cases
Provide clear, practical, and timely legal advice to clients.
Represent clients at court hearings.
Prepare cases thoroughly, including reviewing evidence, taking instructions, and instructing counsel where necessary.
Liaise with clients, counsel, courts, experts, and other third parties.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date file records and ensure compliance with regulatory and Legal Aid requirements.

Police Station & Duty Work

Attend police stations to advise and represent clients under PACE, including out-of-hours call-outs.
Participate in the police station rota, including evening and weekend cover on a shared basis.
Undertake Magistrates’ Court duty solicitor work as required (subject to accreditation/status).
Provide urgent and time-sensitive advice in high-pressure situations.

Legal Aid & Compliance

Manage cases in accordance with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements
Ensure accurate time recording, file management, and billing in line with legal aid procedures
Maintain compliance with SRA Standards, firm policies, and Lexcel requirements
Keep up to date with developments in criminal law, procedure, and legal aid regulations

Compliance

Adhere to the requirements of Lexcel and the Quality Procedures Manual (QPM) in the capacity of your role.
Adhere to the SRA Rules and Regulations in the capacity of your role. 
Ensure to follow the Staff Handbook policies and procedures.
Maintain your Learning and Development log. 
Contribute to the Marketing and Business Development of the Department. 

About You

We are looking for a solicitor who:

Has a minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience in criminal defence work
Holds Police Station Accreditation (essential or working towards)
Has experience of handling own caseload (with supervision as required)
Demonstrates strong advocacy and client care skills
Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills
Works effectively under pressure and can manage competing priorities
Has excellent communication and organisational skills
Is committed to maintaining high professional and ethical standards

Desirable Experience

Experience undertaking Magistrates’ Court advocacy independently
Duty Solicitor Status (or working towards)
Exposure to legally aided work and billing processes

Key Competencies

Client-focused approach, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals
Attention to detail and accuracy in case preparation
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Professional, reliable, and adaptable

Working Pattern & Expectations

Participation in police station rota (including evenings, nights, and weekends)
Attendance at court duty schemes as required
Flexibility to respond to urgent client needs outside standard office hours
Office-based role with travel to police stations and courts as necessary

What We Offer

Competitive salary (depending on experience)
Full or part time working arrangements 
Supportive and collaborative team environment
Opportunities for career progression and further qualification (e.g. Duty Solicitor Scheme)
Ongoing training and professional development
Exposure to a wide range of criminal defence work

Equal Opportunities

Henry Hyams Solicitors is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Please send your CV through to Freya Cumiskey, Practice Manager, f.cumiskey@henryhyams.com