Job summary
We are looking for an organised, compassionate and motivated Legal Services Paralegal to join our Legal Services Team. This is a vital role supporting the Health Board's work on inquests, Court of Protection matters and wider legal processes.
In Hywel Dda University Health Board, you'll be part of a team that is committed to supporting safe, compassionate and patient-centred care. You'll gain exposure to a wide range of legal matters, build meaningful relationships with clinical and operational colleagues, and contribute directly to organisational learning and patient safety.
This is a role where your legal skills genuinely make a difference.
Main duties of the job
You will work closely with senior legal staff, clinicians and operational teams to ensure our legal obligations are met with professionalism, dignity and a strong focus on learning and improving patient safety. This is an excellent development opportunity for someone wishing to grow their legal career within a meaningful and supportive NHS environment. This role will suit someone who is confident managing a varied and busy caseload, with responsibilities that include:
- Handling sensitive and confidential information with professionalism.
- Coordinating communications and scheduling between multiple internal and external parties.
- Producing well-organised and legally compliant documentation.
- Supporting a culture of learning, improvement and quality in legal processes.
- Contributing to a positive, supportive legal services environment.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
- Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
- Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
- Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
- 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
- Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Support the management of Court of Protection and Coroner cases under supervision. You will:
- Open and maintain cases, liaise with courts, Coroner's officers, Trusts and external agencies.
- Review and summarise patient records to ensure compliance with legal and disclosure requirements.
- Draft correspondence, witness statements and assist with expert instructions.
- Prepare electronic legal bundles, chronologies and supporting documentation, supporting pre inquest reviews and hearings
- Attend hearings (in person or remote) and produce accurate notes.
- Conduct supervised legal research and draft initial advice.
- Maintain accurate case records and timerecording on the legal case management system.
- Coordinate meetings including MDTs, witness meetings and roundtables, support learning arising from cases
- Assist with clinical negligence, redress, personal injury or judicial review cases under supervision.
- Help identify and instruct expert witnesses.
- Provide process and obligations guidance to clinical and managerial staff.
- Contribute to SOPs, guidance and service improvements.
- Deliver or support delivery of training across the Health Board on inquests and Court of Protection processes.
- Ensure accurate time recording and support cost recovery work.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 11/02/2026.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Support the management of Court of Protection and Coroner cases under supervision. You will:
- Open and maintain cases, liaise with courts, Coroner's officers, Trusts and external agencies.
- Review and summarise patient records to ensure compliance with legal and disclosure requirements.
- Draft correspondence, witness statements and assist with expert instructions.
- Prepare electronic legal bundles, chronologies and supporting documentation, supporting pre inquest reviews and hearings
- Attend hearings (in person or remote) and produce accurate notes.
- Conduct supervised legal research and draft initial advice.
- Maintain accurate case records and timerecording on the legal case management system.
- Coordinate meetings including MDTs, witness meetings and roundtables, support learning arising from cases
- Assist with clinical negligence, redress, personal injury or judicial review cases under supervision.
- Help identify and instruct expert witnesses.
- Provide process and obligations guidance to clinical and managerial staff.
- Contribute to SOPs, guidance and service improvements.
- Deliver or support delivery of training across the Health Board on inquests and Court of Protection processes.
- Ensure accurate time recording and support cost recovery work.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 11/02/2026.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Graduate in Law (LLB or equivalent) or CILEX member, or working towards qualification, with significant experience in legal case handling
- Knowledge of legal systems including Court of Protection and Coroners Courts
- Understanding of Data Protection Act and Access to Health Records legislation
Desirable
- LPC, SQE, or equivalent legal qualification
- Knowledge of NHS structure and services
- Knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules and Coroners Rules
Experience
Essential
- Experience in a legal environment with exposure to litigation, inquests, or Court of Protection work
- Handling sensitive and confidential information
- Drafting legal correspondence and witness statements
- Working independently and prioritising a busy caseload
Desirable
- NHS or healthcare-related legal experience
- Experience managing inquest or Court of Protection proceeding
- Use of legal case management systems (e.g., Datix, Visualfiles)
Other
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Graduate in Law (LLB or equivalent) or CILEX member, or working towards qualification, with significant experience in legal case handling
- Knowledge of legal systems including Court of Protection and Coroners Courts
- Understanding of Data Protection Act and Access to Health Records legislation
Desirable
- LPC, SQE, or equivalent legal qualification
- Knowledge of NHS structure and services
- Knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules and Coroners Rules
Experience
Essential
- Experience in a legal environment with exposure to litigation, inquests, or Court of Protection work
- Handling sensitive and confidential information
- Drafting legal correspondence and witness statements
- Working independently and prioritising a busy caseload
Desirable
- NHS or healthcare-related legal experience
- Experience managing inquest or Court of Protection proceeding
- Use of legal case management systems (e.g., Datix, Visualfiles)
Other
Desirable
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
