Public Law Paralegal - Manchester

Role: Public Law Paralegal

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is seeking a motivated and talented Public Law Paralegals to join our highly regarded Public Law Department in Manchester. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career with one of the UK's leading law firms, recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a top-tier practice and awarded Law Firm of the Year at both the 2024 LexisNexis Awards and the 2023 Modern Law Awards.

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in the City of London, Duncan Lewis Solicitors is a national, award-winning, paperless law firm with over 500 professionals nationwide. Our ethos is simple: "We give people a voice."

Our Public Law team is recognised by The Legal 500 as a "dynamic team" that is "exceptional in ability and reach." Ranked and recommended for its excellence nationwide, the department acts on both publicly funded and private matters, specialising in judicial review, civil liberties, human rights, and challenges against public bodies including the Home Office, HMRC, local authorities, and the NHS. The team has a strong track record of securing emergency relief, pursuing landmark cases through the higher courts, and representing vulnerable and marginalised individuals in matters that shape legal precedent and drive meaningful change.

Joining Duncan Lewis means becoming part of a diverse, supportive and forward-thinking organisation where you will have the opportunity to develop your expertise alongside experienced Public Law practitioners committed to achieving the best outcomes for clients.

As a Public Law Paralegal, you will support the Public Law team in managing a broad range of challenging and rewarding matters.

Key responsibilities will include:

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• Reporting directly to the Department Director and supervising solicitors.
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• Assisting with public law casework, including Judicial Review matters.
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• Taking instructions from clients and preparing cases.
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• Drafting legal documents, witness statements, applications and correspondence.
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• Preparing and managing funding applications to the Legal Aid Agency,
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• Preparing applications (incl drafting application forms, index of documents and letters of representations)
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• Preparing court bundles and supporting documentation.
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• Undertaking legal research and preparing case summaries.
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• Attending conferences and client meetings where required.
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• Maintaining accurate time recording and file management procedures.
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• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and departmental requirements.
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• Providing excellent client care with a professional, proactive and empathetic approach.
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• Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly file reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
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• Ensuring compliance with file management.
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The successful candidate will demonstrate a genuine interest in Public Law and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

Essential requirements include:

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• A strong academic background with a Law degree.
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• Previous legal experience as a Paralegal, Caseworker or Legal Assistant.
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• Experience or strong interest in Public Law and Judicial Review matters.
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• Excellent legal research, drafting and analytical skills.
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• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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• Professional, motivated and client-focused approach.
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• Business acumen and the ability to market the Company
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• Excellent communications skills to work effectively with all types of people
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• Excellent analytical and organisational skills and ability to use own initiative but know when to seek guidance
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• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and document management systems.
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We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support your professional development, wellbeing, and work-life balance, including:

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• Competitive salary with structured pay review process
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• Company pension scheme
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• 22 days annual leave, increasing with length of service
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• Additional birthday leave*
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• Occupational sick pay*
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• Payment of practising certificate and relevant professional membership fees*
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• Access to extensive e-library resources and training webinars
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• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support
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• Employee referral scheme
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• Eye care vouchers
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• Enhanced family-friendly benefits*
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• DBS checks paid by the Company
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• Flexible and hybrid working options, including part-time arrangements where appropriate
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• Support for solicitor qualification and SQE1 examinations*
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• Clear career progression opportunities
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• Support for industry recognition, awards, and professional profile development
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• Company Medical Cash Plan*
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*Subject to eligibility and Company policy.

At Duncan Lewis, we are committed to excellence, diversity, and social justice. Our teams work on matters that have a genuine impact on people's lives, often representing vulnerable individuals and holding public bodies to account through expert legal representation.

We foster an inclusive and collaborative working environment where talent is recognised, professional development is encouraged, and employees are supported to achieve their full potential. With award-winning training, clear progression pathways, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Duncan Lewis offers an exceptional platform for building a successful legal career.

Join a firm where your contribution matters and where you can help give people a voice.