Full job description
Paralegal – Actions Against the Police & Public Authorities
About Us:
GT Stewart is a highly regarded multi-office, multi-service Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners firm, recognized for excellence in various legal fields. We are committed to providing top-quality legal services and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
About Civil Liberties:
The Civil Liberties Team (‘Team’) undertakes work that can be divided into three categories:
- Actions Against the Police;
- Inquests in which Article 2 is engaged; and
- Actions Against Prisons.
Actions Against the Police
The Team assists in guiding clients through the formal police complaints process (including in appeals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct).
The Team assists clients in bringing claims where the police have infringed their rights. This includes claims for:
- False Imprisonment, usually arising from an unlawful arrest or an unlawful stop and search;
- Assault and Battery, where police officers have used excessive force;
- Negligence in certain circumstances (for example, cases concerning the deployment of Tasers and police dogs against minors or otherwise vulnerable individuals);
- Misconduct or misfeasance in public office (where officers’ actions are particularly egregious); and
- Malicious prosecution.
The Team also raises claims under the Human Rights Act 1998, including claims related to discrimination, substantive failures to investigate, and right to life claims following inquests. Additionally, the Team are experienced in pursuing claims under the Equality Act 2010.
Inquests
The Team also acts on behalf of families in Inquests, where the state’s duties under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights are arguably engaged.
Article 2 is the right to life and can be engaged in a range of scenarios, including where:
- An individual died in state custody (e.g. police detention, immigration detention, psychiatric detention or prison); or
- There is some element of state responsibility in their passing (e.g. in the course of, or following, a police assault); or
- There is a real and immediate risk to life to a person who is otherwise known to healthcare services, and they fail to act on those risks.
The Team supports grieving families with advice and assistance throughout the Inquest process, including any investigative processes prior to the hearing itself. The Team also supports families that may wish to pursue civil claims after the loss of a loved one, to seek further redress.
Actions Against Prisons
The Team has extensive experience in representing prisoners in claims against the Prison estate and/or the Ministry of Justice. This includes representing vulnerable individuals who have been assaulted by prison officers and securing compensation in situations where clients are held in prison without justification.
Role Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Paralegal to join the Team. The role is essential in supporting our legal professionals in handling a diverse caseload of civil claims related to police misconduct, civil liberties violations, and Inquest preparation and representation. The successful candidate will play a vital role in case progression, legal research, client support, and contributing to the effective management of legal and administrative matters within the department.
Your Profile:
Experience: Previous experience as a paralegal or legal assistant, ideally within a legal practice focusing on civil liberties, human rights law and/or actions against public authorities.
Legal Aid: Prior experience in and/or knowledge of Legal Aid is desirable.
Education: A relevant legal qualification or degree (e.g., LLB, LPC) is desirable.
Knowledge: Basic understanding of civil liberties, human rights law, and the legal framework governing police conduct and accountability within English/Welsh law.
Skills: Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assist in preparing complex legal cases.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with clients and colleagues.
Organisational Ability: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Professionalism: Commitment to upholding ethical standards, professionalism, and integrity in all aspects of legal practice.
Key Responsibilities:
Case Preparation: Assist in the preparation and management of civil claims, judicial reviews, and appeals related to police misconduct and breaches of an individual’s civil liberties. This includes but is not limited to:
- Drafting key legal documents;
- Drafting correspondence to relevant parties (including barristers and Defendants);
- Drafting applications to the Legal Aid Agency;
- Considering new enquiries and liaising with fee-earners about enquiries with positive prospects; and
- Considering key legal documents and evidence for case progression.
Legal Research: Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support case development and client representation.
Client Interaction: Provide support to clients by handling queries, gathering information, and maintaining communication throughout the case process.
Documentation: Prepare, review, and manage legal documents, correspondence, and case files accurately and efficiently.
Administrative Support: Assist with administrative tasks including case management, scheduling, and organizing meetings.
Compliance: Ensure that all aspects of case management comply with legal standards, regulations, and ethical guidelines.
Team Collaboration: Work closely with solicitors and legal assistants, supporting them in case preparation and legal strategy development.
Working with Us:
Career Development: We offer ongoing training and development opportunities to support your career growth within a strong and dynamic team.
Modern Work Environment: Our offices are friendly, paperless, and equipped with modern IT and a hands-on IT team to enhance your working efficiency. We support a hybrid working model with a mix of office and remote work.
Annual Leave: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and additional leave for Christmas and New Year. Leave is increased in line with service.
Competitive Package: Salary range starting at £25,642.00 depending on experience, plus other perks
Employee Benefits with GTS:
- Competitive base salary;
- Pension Scheme with employer contribution;
- Cycle to work scheme
- Firm laptop;
- Enhanced parental leave;
- Prospect for negotiation on flexible working arrangements;
- Annual appraisals and salary reviews;
- Ongoing training and development;
- Bi-annual parties for Summer and Christmas; and
- Additional perks and benefits
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a cover letter to our dedicated HR team via email at: recruitment@gtstewart.co.uk. We encourage applicants to enclose cover letters, to showcase their experience and awareness of the arena of civil liberties.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
- Monday to Friday, 9AM – 5:30PM.
Work Location: In person at our Fleet Street (City) Office in London, with options for flexible working arrangements.
Application deadline: 29 November 2024
