Paralegal
Gherson is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, sexuality, gender identification, or physical ability.
The role is rewarding but demanding and you will get out exactly as much as you put into it. You will join a young and exciting team that pride themselves on their work-ethic, professionalism and client care. Gherson LLP have recently been ranked for both client care and quality of work in the “future lawyers” leader-board run by Legal 500. Juniors in the team receive a lot of responsibility and a lot of support and expect care, hard-work and reliability in return.
Much of the work initially, will be focused around offering first-class administrative and legal support, however what starts as support for fee earners on an administrative level on a given case, will evolve into more substantive work on the very same cases.
Please note that this position will require the successful applicant to work in the office five days a week.
Main Responsibilities
Skills
- Drafting of briefs and instructions
- Excellent communicator
- Demonstrable analytical and organisational skills
- IT literate
- Attention to detail
- Ability to use own initiative
Knowledge
- Immigration law (desirable)
- Criminal law (desirable)
- Litigation experience (desirable)
- European Convention on Human Rights law (desirable)
Qualifications
- Law degree, or equivalent
- LPC, SQE 2 or equivalent (preferably with an immigration elective)
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, and submission of, all Home Office and Passport Office application forms, as well as all court and tribunal forms and applications.
Drafting. Drafting, under supervision, of all court pleadings, applications and supporting documentation, in addition to letters, legal advice, statements and witness statements.
Meetings. All court deadlines are diarised, and appointments at courts, tribunals. 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 Human Rights, Immigration law or criminal litigation. 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.