Paralegal Children's Law at Hab Law, Watford, Hertfordshire

Job Purpose

As a Paralegal in our Children Department, you’ll be part of a passionate and forward-thinking legal team dedicated to supporting families and protecting children’s welfare. This is a dynamic and rewarding role where no two days are the same — you’ll work on a diverse caseload of both private and publicly funded matters, assisting solicitors and counsel in preparing cases, managing client relationships, and ensuring the smooth running of proceedings.

This position offers the opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive environment where learning and growth are encouraged. If you are looking to build on existing experience in Children matters, you’ll find a workplace that values compassion, precision, and progress.

Key Responsibilities

Client Work & Case Management

Reporting directly to the Head of Department

Adopting a professional, proactive approach with strong client care skills and a sensitive understanding of clients’ needs

Assisting with casework across Children matters (both Legal Aid funded and Private Client work)

Undertaking your own advocacy where appropriate

Attending clients, taking detailed instructions, and preparing case files

Managing and responding to correspondence efficiently and professionally

Preparing and managing Legal Aid applications to the Legal Aid Agency

Drafting key legal documents, including C100s, C1As, witness statements, and processing supporting evidence

Preparing court bundles and instructions to counsel

Conducting legal research to support case strategy and client advice

Attending client conferences

Maintaining accurate time-costing and billing procedures

Implementing any recommendations made during monthly file reviews, ensuring prompt compliance

Ensuring consistent compliance with firm-wide file management and regulatory standards

Delivering high-quality client service in line with the firm’s values of empathy, equality, and professionalism

Teamwork & Supervision

Collaborate closely with colleagues and administrative staff to deliver seamless client service

Provide guidance and supervision to colleagues

Participate in team meetings, training, and case discussions

Contribute to creating a positive, supportive, and inclusive team culture

Professional Development & Compliance

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of family and children matter including relevant legislation and case law

Ensure compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Code of Conduct and Legal Aid Agency requirements

Engage in supervision and continuous professional development activities

Assist in developing internal best practice standards and contribute to quality assurance processes

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

Completed the LPC or commenced the SQE

Hands-on experience in private and/or public children law matters (e.g. Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, Specific Issue Orders)

Excellent attention to detail, organisation, and time management skills

A collaborative mindset, bringing positivity and support to the team

Confidence in using IT systems and the Legal Aid Agency’s CCMS portal

Skills & Competencies

Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage urgent and sensitive cases

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure

Strong client care and advocacy skills, with a compassionate and professional approach

Ability to meet deadlines and ensure compliance

Attention to detail and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively

Commitment to trauma-informed practice and continuous learning

Desirable

Fluency in additional languages

Experience in community outreach or public engagement

Personal Attributes

Empathetic, approachable, and emotionally intelligent

Professional and composed when managing sensitive and high-stress situations

Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable

Resilient, with a commitment to providing exceptional service to vulnerable clients

Team-oriented and passionate about supporting others’ development