Paralegal and Islamic Wills Case Officer

Ummah Welfare Trust (UWT), a UK-based Islamic relief and development charity established in 2001, seeks a Paralegal and Islamic Wills Case Officer for its Bolton office. The charity alleviates global poverty and suffering through sustainable projects in shelter, education, health, and spiritual wellbeing.

Role Overview

You will administer and review Will applications through UWT's free online Will-writing service. Working with an appointed Mufti who determines applicable Shariah inheritance provisions, you will ensure these provisions are accurately expressed in clearly drafted Wills meeting England and Wales legal requirements. You will check documentation for completeness, resolve routine queries, and escalate complex legal matters to specialist advisers. You will also provide legal and contractual support across the charity and contribute to compliance and governance work.

Islamic Wills Responsibilities

• Review Will applications and drafts for accuracy, completeness, and legal clarity
• Ensure approved Shariah inheritance provisions are correctly reflected in Will language
• Work with the Mufti to translate Shariah provisions into appropriate England and Wales Will wording
• Refer Shariah interpretation questions to the Mufti and complex drafting issues to qualified legal advisers
• Communicate with testators about amendments and queries
• Ensure all documentation is received and maintained per GDPR and charity policies
• Track applications from submission to completion and maintain accurate records
• Help develop and improve the Will service
• Provide procedural guidance within your authorised scope

Legal and Contractual Support

• Review and assist with charity contracts including leases, service agreements, supplier contracts, consultancy agreements, data processing agreements, partnerships, and terms and conditions
• Identify legal and contractual risks and escalate when needed
• Maintain a central register of agreements and renewal dates
• Assist with legal compliance projects and governance work
• Liaise with external solicitors as instructed

Essential Qualifications and Training

• Law degree (England and Wales law), OR NALP Level 4 Diploma for Associate Paralegals, OR NALP Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies, OR NALP Level 7 Diploma in Paralegal Practice, OR CILEX CPQ Advanced completion (Probate and Private Client)
• Demonstrated specific training in will drafting and succession law

Essential Experience

• At least two years' practical experience drafting and reviewing wills under England and Wales law
• Experience managing routine cases and identifying complex matters for referral
• Desirable: charity sector experience and work with solicitors or probate services

Essential Skills

• Translate Shariah inheritance provisions into clear, legally appropriate Will wording using approved templates
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Manage multiple cases and deadlines
• Strong IT skills with case and document management systems
• Analytical and problem-solving ability
• Excellent customer service and stakeholder management
• Attention to detail and organisation
• Collaborative work with legal professionals and Islamic scholars
• Working understanding of estate ownership, executors, guardianship provisions, and estate administration

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, in-person at Bolton office
• Reports to Chief Operating Officer
• Annual leave: 28 days plus 2 extra days for Eid (pro rata)
• Flexitime available

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £30,000 per annum, company pension, bereavement leave, enhanced paternity leave, employee and store discounts, company events, casual dress, free on-site parking.

Applications to vacancies@uwt.org with CV and covering letter. Deadline: 1 December 2026 (may close earlier). DBS check required.