Paralegal Position in Sussex
Jonathan Lea Network is a modern, entrepreneurial law firm based in Sussex, working with clients across the UK and internationally. We specialise in providing clear, commercially focused legal advice to businesses, founders and individuals.
We operate as a paperless office and embrace the use of technology, including AI, across all aspects of legal work. This enables us to work efficiently, collaboratively and at the forefront of modern legal practice.
We are looking to recruit a Paralegal to join our growing team. This role is ideally suited to a candidate who is looking to qualify as a solicitor via the SQE route and wishes to develop their legal career within a dynamic and supportive firm.
The Role
You will support solicitors and other fee earners across a range of matters, gaining exposure to high-quality work and developing strong practical legal skills. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual seeking long-term progression within a growing firm.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting solicitors with client matters across a range of practice areas
- Gaining experience in corporate work and SME-focused matters, as well as civil litigation (our two primary areas)
- Exposure to a broader range of practice areas including employment law, commercial property, residential property, intellectual property and insolvency law
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Conducting legal research
- Managing files and supporting case progression
- Liaising with clients and third parties in a professional manner
Candidate Requirements
- A qualifying law degree (completed or in progress)
- Intention to qualify as a solicitor via the SQE route (although candidates who have completed or are currently undertaking the LPC will also be considered)
- SQE1 and/or SQE2 completed, in progress, or planned
- A strong interest in developing expertise in our core practice areas of corporate/SME work and civil litigation, with a willingness to gain experience across additional areas including employment, property, intellectual property and insolvency
- A genuine motivation to develop as a junior lawyer within a structured and supportive environment
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- A proactive, professional and commercially aware approach
- A genuine interest in developing a long-term career with the firm
What We Are Looking For
Applicants should have:
- Good academic results
- The ability to work well independently and use your own initiative, whilst also responding positively to close supervision
- A meticulous eye for detail and an eloquent, precise way with words
- High service and presentation standards
- Strong IT skills and social media awareness
- A genuine passion for entrepreneurship, business and transactional work
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Sangfroid and the ability to calmly (and with good humour) manage a busy workload and demanding clients
- An enthusiasm to take on new challenges and broaden your knowledge base and skill set
- An interest in marketing, networking and business development activities
Training & Career Progression
We are committed to supporting the development of future solicitors through a structured and performance-driven pathway.
All Paralegals are set a consistent billing target. Once this target is met, typically within 6–12 months of joining the firm, candidates will be considered for progression to a two-year training contract.
As part of a training contract offer:
- SQE course fees and exam costs will be funded by the firm
- Funding typically ranges between £5,000 – £10,000 depending on performance as a paralegal and level of SQE fees outstanding
- SQE fees are paid directly to the course provider in the most tax-efficient manner
- Funding is treated as a grant unless the individual leaves the firm within a specified period following qualification (usually between one and two years) in which case the funding is repayable
- As part of SQE sponsorship we also offer paid study leave
Progression and support are performance-based, and we are committed to investing in individuals who demonstrate strong potential, professionalism and alignment with the firm’s values.
Salary
- Starting salary: £25,500 – £28,000 depending on experience
- Structured salary progression:
- Year 1: £28,500
- Year 2: £32,000
- Newly Qualified (for those who have trained with us): £45,000 – £55,000 (current range)
Why Join Us
We offer a collaborative and ambitious working environment, exposure to high-quality legal work, and a clear pathway for career development. You will be part of a firm that values initiative, professionalism and long-term growth.
Apply
To apply please email your CV and covering letter, along with any other relevant information you feel would help your application, to alice.roseman@jonathanlea.net
Life as a Trainee Solicitor at The Jonathan Lea Network
Apply
To apply please email your CV and covering letter, along with any other relevant information you feel would help your application, to alice.roseman@jonathanlea.net
