Job Title: Mental Health Paralegal
Department: Mental Health Department
Location: Leeds
Reports To: Supervising Department Manager / Department Directors

Purpose of the Role

Join Henry Hyams Solicitors, a busy and dynamic Leeds-based practice, and be part of a growing and vibrant Mental Health Department that makes a real difference to people’s lives in hospital and in the community.

We are seeking a highly motivated, organised, and compassionate individual who is passionate about mental health law and delivering exceptional client care.

Whether you are an experienced Mental Health Representative or Paralegal looking to specialise in this area, we are keen to hear from individuals who share our passion for delivering exceptional representation, making a genuine impact and shaping positive outcomes for vulnerable clients.

Key Responsibilities

Manage/assist with a caseload of Mental Health files, with appropriate level of supervision and approachable support. 
Work independently and as part of a friendly and collaborative team.
Work closely with experienced fee earners within the Mental Health Department.
Advocate for vulnerable clients, protect and advance their rights.
Demonstrate excellent organisation, administration, and time-management skills.
Build strong client relationships through an approachable and empathetic manner.
Remain calm, client-focused and professional in challenging situations.
Be compliant with essential mental health training and file management.
Deliver high standards of client care in accordance with firm policies and regulatory obligations.

Legal Aid Administration

Assist with Legal Aid applications and claims.
Ensure files comply with Legal Aid Agency and firm requirements.
Support file reviews and audit preparation.

Compliance

Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
Ensure compliance with SRA Standards and Regulations, Legal Aid Agency requirements, Lexcel standards, GDPR and the firm’s policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Strong interest in mental health law.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
Professional and client-focused approach.
Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

Previous experience working within a mental health law
Law degree, LPC, or equivalent legal training.
Mental Health Representative Accreditation.

Essential Requirement 

Full UK Driving Licence

What We Offer

Career progression opportunities within a well-established mental health department.
Supportive and collaborative working environment.
Ongoing training and professional development.
The opportunity to work within an experienced and supportive team.
Support to complete the Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation Scheme.

Equal Opportunities

Henry Hyams Solicitors is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process and during employment for candidates and employees with disabilities or other specific needs.

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