Paralegal
Job overview
Great Ormond Street Hospital is seeking a paralegal to join the in-house Legal Team.
The Legal Team is looking for a highly capable paralegal to work closely with and support the Trust Lawyers on a wide range of legal matters. The post holder will also provide cross support for other members of the Legal Team.
Main duties of the job- Preparing for and assisting with litigation and Court applications.
- Attendance at Court.
- Legal research.
- Preparation of templates and review of witness statements.
- Drafting correspondence including to solicitors and families.
- Organising and attending conferences with clinicians.
- General support and assistance for Trust Solicitors/Barristers.
- Providing cross support for Claims Manager, and Inquest and Criminal Case Co-ordinator.
Working for our organisation
GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.
We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion.All of our staff networks are open to any employee.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
GOSH Culture and Values
Essential criteria- Our Always values
- Experience of working as part of a diverse team.
- Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria- Degree or equivalent qualification
- Law degree
- LPC or Bar Training Course (or equivalent experience)
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent IT skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent time management skills and ability to work under pressure
- Ability to liaise with professional colleagues including Clinicians and Nursing Staff
- Ability to multitask, and problem solve
- Excellent analytical skills
- Excellent legal research skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Ability to work independently and use initiative
- Cheerful disposition
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria- Data Protection Act and GDPR
- Consent and Parental Responsibility
- Documentation and record keeping
- Previous Paralegal experience
- Previous NHS experience
- Previous inquests experience
- Medical & Healthcare Law
- Children’s Public Law
- Relevant experience and a keen interest in Coroner's Inquest Law
Please be advised that:
The recruitment process for all admin and clerical roles at Bands 2-4 will be a two stage recruitment process whereby shortlisted candidates will undertake an online literacy, numeracy, ICT and typing test. Only those candidates who pass the competency test will proceed to a formal interview.
The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification criteria for this post will be shortlisted. Please note that where high volumes of applicants have been received, additional criteria may on occasion be used to determine the final shortlist.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
We are an accredited Living Wage Employer.