Paralegal
Gherson Solicitors LLP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, sexuality, gender identification, or physical ability.
**Please note that this role is fully office-based**
Main Responsibilities
Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Ability to deal efficiently with competing priorities
- Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
- Excellent client and customer care and management
- Integrity
- Legal compliance
Knowledge
- International Arbitration (desirable)
- Home Office procedure (desirable)
- Human Rights (desirable)
Qualifications
- Law degree, or conversion,
- SQE, or
- LPC
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 that the case management system is used effectively, making sure that the client files are always up to date, and that documents and correspondence is always filed on the same day. Complete client questionnaires, and submission of, all Home Office and Passport Office application forms, 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. All Home Office/court deadlines are diarised, and appointments at courts, tribunals and all Home Office, Passport Office and OVRO appointments/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.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be a skilled paralegal, with demonstrable experience in either International Arbitration, Human Rights or litigation against government bodies. You will be a high-energy, can-do individual with excellent organisational and communication skills. You must be a strong team player able to work across several disciplines, and work well with a variety of stakeholders.