THE FIRM

At Forbes Solicitors LLP, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results. We are real people who listen to each other and work together to deliver exceptional service.
We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm.
We are a values led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork to join our award-winning Firm.

THE ROLE

Forbes Solicitors LLP are seeking a Paralegal to join our Family (Public Law) Team at our Preston City Centre Office. This role is full time, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to start/progress in their legal career as a Paralegal and become part of a collaborative and professional team. While the role demands the fast pace, customer focus, and high standards of a law firm, it also ensures a sustainable work-life balance, reflecting the regional area it serves.
This role will be supporting a dedicated Family Law Solicitor within the Public Family Team and will have exposure to a varied caseload of legal aid family matters.

As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for achieving successful outcomes such as:

• Provide effective and efficient support to Advisors through chargeable (legal based) work that contributes to the delivery and completion of services for clients (e.g. obtaining and reviewing evidence and statements, taking witness statements, preparing for court, collation of legal bundles).
• Ensure timely and efficient day-to-day progress of matters, prioritising work, monitoring deadlines and actions needed and keeping clients informed.
• Drafting and preparing legal documents that require further knowledge, consideration and input based on analysis and understanding of information gathered.
• Conduct thorough, accurate, and up-to-date legal research which supports the matter strategy.
• Provide well informed legal advice, under the supervision of a qualified legal professional, that resolves queries and advances clients’ instructions and cases.
• Assess and understand client queries and file notes to identify actions and advice required and manage and guide the progression of a client file.
• Attend external meetings and events including but not limited to hearings, court appearances, client meetings and networking events.
• Where applicable, assist in preparing for court proceedings and hearings, ensuring all necessary documentation and evidence are in place.
• Maintain accurate records in the case management system, ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational standards.
• Communicate regularly with clients and stakeholders, answering queries, managing expectations (including costs), providing updates and effectively chasing responses required and escalating appropriately.
• Perform administrative duties, including writing articles and reports for internal and external publication, filing, billing, and organising matter files, to ensure smooth operational workflow.
• Stay updated on legal trends and participate in ongoing training to enhance skills and contribute to the Firm’s overall success.