Paralegals at GN Law
At GN Law, we see our paralegals as an integral part of our legal teams. Our paralegal roles are designed to provide genuine hands-on legal experience, structured supervision and continuous professional development, allowing you to build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to progress your legal career.
Many of our paralegals are working towards qualifying as solicitors, while others join us to develop their experience and explore the areas of law in which they would like to specialise. Whatever your career path, we aim to provide an environment where you can learn, take responsibility and make a meaningful contribution to the work we do for our clients.
What We Look For
We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:
- A strong academic background, normally a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent, although mitigating circumstances will always be considered.
- A genuine interest in the areas of law in which GN Law specialises.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Commitment, resilience, initiative and a willingness to learn.
- A professional approach and strong attention to detail.
- A genuine commitment to providing an excellent service to vulnerable clients.
Above all, we value attitude as much as aptitude. We want people who are motivated to learn, willing to take responsibility and passionate about developing a career in law.
Life as a Paralegal at GN Law
Life as a paralegal at GN Law is busy, varied and hands-on.
Our paralegals are not simply administrative support. From the outset, you will be immersed in legal practice through structured supervision, practical experience and ongoing training.
Depending on your department, your role may involve:
- Assisting solicitors with the running of client files.
- Managing your own files under appropriate supervision.
- Speaking directly with clients and developing professional relationships.
- Attending client visits, hospitals, courts and other external appointments.
- Preparing legal documents and correspondence.
- Conducting legal research.
- Supporting solicitors with case preparation and advocacy.
- Progressing matters and taking responsibility for your own workload.
As you develop your knowledge and demonstrate your competence, you will be given increasing levels of responsibility.
For example, within our Mental Health department, experienced paralegals may progress to managing their own cases and, once fully trained and competent, conducting advocacy at Hospital Managers’ hearings, representing clients and making submissions regarding their detention under the Mental Health Act.
The level of responsibility will always be appropriate to your experience and supported by supervision.
Learning, Training and Professional Development
Training is a key part of life as a paralegal at GN Law.
You will benefit from a combination of practical experience, departmental training, supervision and wider professional development. We hold regular training sessions to ensure our teams remain up to date with changes in legislation, case law, legal practice and developments within our specialist areas.
Training may be department-specific or firmwide, depending on the subject matter.
Our aim is to ensure that our paralegals do not simply learn how to complete tasks, but understand why they are doing them and develop the judgement and confidence required to progress as legal professionals.
Coaching and Communication Training
Professional development at GN Law extends beyond legal knowledge.
Our teams benefit from in-house coaching, leadership development and practical communication training.
Developing a strong rapport with clients and gaining their confidence is particularly important in the work we do. Our training helps paralegals develop these skills alongside their legal knowledge.
Supervision and Support
Support and supervision are central to our working environment.
Our paralegals work alongside experienced solicitors and have access to guidance and feedback throughout their development. Formal supervision is complemented by departmental meetings, training sessions, performance reviews and regular discussions about progress and development.
We want our paralegals to feel supported while also encouraging them to become increasingly independent and confident in their work.
Your GN Law Journey Continues
From Paralegal to Trainee Solicitor
For those who aspire to qualify as solicitors, our paralegal roles provide the opportunity to progress into our internal training contract recruitment process.
Unlike many firms, we do not recruit trainee solicitors externally. Our training contracts are offered to members of our existing paralegal team who have demonstrated the commitment, ability and potential to progress.
There is no fixed length of service required before a paralegal can apply. Applications are assessed on merit, taking into account performance, commitment, legal ability, client care, enthusiasm for our work and potential to develop into an excellent solicitor.
SQE and Professional Qualifications
GN Law supports colleagues working towards qualification through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and, where applicable, the Legal Practice Course (LPC) pathway.
We understand that many of our paralegals are studying alongside their employment and aim to support them throughout their studies.
Our approach is to combine formal study with practical legal experience, allowing colleagues to develop both their academic knowledge and the practical skills required to work effectively with clients.
Who Joins Our Paralegal Team?
Our paralegals come from a variety of backgrounds.
Some have recently completed their law degree, while others have completed the GDL, LPC or SQE and are looking to gain practical experience before qualifying. Others join us while completing their studies or after gaining experience elsewhere in the legal sector.
What they have in common is a desire to develop, learn and build a career in law.
A Career at GN Law
Our paralegal team is an important part of GN Law’s continued growth. We invest in our people and aim to provide opportunities for colleagues to develop their skills, take on greater responsibility and progress within the firm.
For those who want to qualify as solicitors, becoming a paralegal at GN Law can be the first step towards a Paralegal to Solicitor career pathway, with opportunities to progress into a training contract and, ultimately, qualification.
We are proud that many of our colleagues have developed their careers with us and continue to grow within the firm.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining GN Law as a paralegal, please look out for our current vacancies on our Careers page and LinkedIn page.
When applying, please submit:
- Your CV
- A covering letter
- A completed equal opportunities form
Applications should be sent to hr@gnlaw.co.uk when a vacancy is advertised.
Your journey with GN Law could start here.
