Job Description

Military Claims Paralegal - Personal Injury

Department: Personal Injury

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Manchester

Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Paralegal to join our Military Claims team within the Personal Injury department, based in our Manchester office.

JMW's award-winning Personal Injury department secures millions of pounds in compensation for clients across the UK each year. Our team is recognised by Legal 500 as a Top Tier practice and ranked Band 1 by Chambers & Partners, and the Corporate Supporter Award at the inaugural Child Brain Injury Trust Diamond Awards, for our ongoing support and fundraising for the charity.

Our specialist Military Claims team supports serving military personnel, veterans and reservists in pursuing compensation for injuries and illnesses arising from military service. We pride ourselves on providing a high level of customer service and understand how an injury can have an impact on clients' day-to-day lives. We support clients with a wide range of military injury claims, including PTSD, brain injuries, amputations, hearing loss, training accidents, heat injuries and aviation accidents.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop specialist expertise within a highly regarded team while supporting serving military personnel, veterans and reservists. You'll support the team on complex and rewarding cases, receive training and mentoring from experienced specialists, and play a key role in helping clients navigate challenging and often life-changing circumstances.

Key Responsibilities

You'll assist our team in managing and progressing Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) claims through a range of responsibilities, including:

• Assist with file opening and onboarding new clients
• Assist with drafting advice, correspondence, and client and witness statements
• Reviewing medical records and expert evidence
• Assist in preparing instructions for experts and counsel
• Assist in relation to the production and review of disclosure
• Preparing tribunal documentation for and attending hearings
• Attending training seminars to develop knowledge and understanding, and to be aware of ongoing changes to procedural rules and developments in case law
• Conducting legal research and case analysis
• Managing client relationships and progressing claims
• Assessing new enquiries
• Supporting business development activities and networking initiatives, including growing the team’s charitable partnerships
• Accurate time recording, file management and billing.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Paralegal experience within military claims, Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) claims and/or Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claims would be advantageous, although not essential, as training can be provided for the right candidate
• Strong academics, including a law degree or GDL
• Excellent organisation skills and a keen attention to detail
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner with a focus on providing great client care
• The ability to adapt and work at a fast pace
• Strong work ethic and ‘can-do’ attitude
• Experience of handling sensitive matters with empathy and professionalism
• Strong legal research, analytical and drafting skills
• Ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Resilience when working with complex and emotionally challenging cases
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.