Litigation Paralegal

Please note that this role is fully office-based

About the Role

We are currently seeking a paralegal to support our expanding Civil Litigation and Arbitration team. You will be responsible for the provision of first-class administrative and legal support, whilst maintaining a high degree of self-management and initiative.

Main Responsibilities

Required skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High attention to detail
• Ability to deal efficiently with competing priorities
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent client and customer care and management
• Integrity
• Legal compliance

Areas of knowledge and experience

Required:

• Minimum 2 years as a paralegal in mid/high-market civil litigation department(s), where you will have gained experience in drafting briefs, preparing Court forms, and attending at civil Court counters/ registries
• Good working knowledge of the key aspects of the CPR
• Use of HMCTS E-Filing service

Desirable:

• Experience in international arbitration matters and/or proceedings before the Central London County Court
• Immigration law
• Home Office procedure
• Second language

Qualifications

• Law degree
• Further legal qualifications (LPC/ BPTC etc.) (desirable)

Key Role Outcomes

• Communication. Ensure that all correspondence with authorities and clients is dealt with in a timely and professional manner. Understand and uphold the firm and its employees’ obligation of confidentiality to all its clients and matters of the firm.
• Client Care and Administration. Create and manage both electronic and hard copy files, and prepare both electronic and hard copy bundles. Ensure the case management system is used effectively, making sure that the client files are always up to date, that documents and correspondence is always filed on the same day. Complete client questionnaires, as well as all court and tribunal forms and applications.
• Drafting. A high level of drafting, under supervision, of all court pleadings, applications and supporting documentation, in addition to letters, legal advice, statements and witness statements.
• Meetings. Ensure all Court deadlines are diarised, and that appointments at courts, tribunals, interviews routine directions, client and Counsel meetings and conferences are attended. Moderation of, and note taking at, meetings and calls with clients and external professionals.
• Accounts and billing. Maintain up-to-date time recording on all matters. Undertake accounts duties and billing as required, and understand the Solicitors Accounts rules.
• Business Development. Understand the commercial aspect of the role. Take part in networking events, and write blog articles to be published on the Gherson website.
• Professionalism. Deputise for other members of the team in their absence, passing urgent and complex issues to senior fee earners for guidance. Ensure that all the firm’s procedures are adhered to including anti-money laundering and KYC compliance, file opening, complaints and accounts procedures.
• Training. Undertake any specific training when required to do so and fulfil a responsibility of professional self-development.