DWF
Lead Paralegal - Debt Recoveries

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Why join us?
We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Paralegal to join our Technical Recoveries Team. In this role, you will be assisting fee earners on files and supporting our qualified individuals, from scoping matters referred into the Technical Team to achieving time-critical deliverables, all while adhering to budget constraints and legal parameters.
DWF is a full-service international firm and as such, this role is unique in terms of the variety of work and excellent clients that you will be exposed to.
This role offers excellent scope for progression and is an ideal opportunity for a highly motivated, enthusiastic candidate looking to build on their previous experience and continue their career in Debt Recovery.
The Recoveries Department is based in Leeds with hybrid working available (3 days per week in the office).
Responsibilities
- Provide ad hoc advice and guidance to clients and colleagues on non-referred matters.
- Brief Counsel on complex cases and prepare bundles for hearings or trials.
- Review matters at referral stage, defining scope and breaking work into proportionate tasks.
- Handle a range of litigation tasks, including drafting claims, responding to defences, negotiating settlements, and managing enforcement or insolvency applications.
- Communicate scope and progress clearly to clients throughout the matter.
- Liaise with third parties such as litigants in person, legal representatives, and courts.
- Take ownership of cases, ensuring timely progression to conclusion using the Liberate case management system.
- Work with autonomy while reporting regularly to the Specialist Manager based on matter complexity and value.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What will help you succeed in this role?
Essential
- Experience assisting fee earners on files and providing support to qualified professionals.
- Background in dispute resolution or defendant debt recovery.
- Strong strategic thinking with decisive, action-oriented decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in ICT and solid knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, legal research capabilities, and technical competence.
- Ability to demonstrate integrity, encourage open debate, and foster a culture of sharing best practices and reporting issues when arisen.


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Desirable
- Previous experience working on insolvency cases.
What we offer?
We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.
Our recruitment process upholds the highest standards of fairness and engagement. It includes comprehensive interviews and, at times, a written assessment, an assessment day, or presentation. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support.
About us
DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.
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