Paralegal - Contentious Private Client
Location: London or Basingstoke (hybrid agile policy: at least 50% remote work; other flexible options available)
Overview
We are looking for a paralegal for our Contentious Private Client Team based in our London or Basingstoke office. The team advises on all aspects of trust and estate litigation, including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, will validity disputes, disputes relating to the removal of trustees and personal representatives, estate and trust administration disputes and constructive trusts and proprietary estoppel claims. The role involves supporting Partners and Associates in this work by assisting beneficiaries, executors and trustees, including individuals, trust companies and other organisations such as charities.
Responsibilities
* Support fee-earners in the team with running their case load
* Drafting documents and general correspondence
* Carrying out legal research
* Preparing witness statements
* Preparation of bundles
* Liaison with the Court
* Taking detailed and accurate attendance notes
* First point of contact to take details from potential new clients
* Managing client care documentation and follow up
* Ensuring files are kept in order and documents are saved correctly
* Managing post, ensuring delivery and receipt of documents
* Organising couriers and document delivery
* General document management and prioritisation
* Managing the team’s expectations of service delivery and communicating with clients
* Producing chronologies of documents and indexes
* Producing bills and billing letters and ensuring they are sent
* Updating diaries with key dates
* Supporting day-to-day running of the team, including social activities and diary coordination
* Assisting with know-how and taking turns to chair know-how meetings
Essential & Desirable Criteria
* Degree or CILEX qualification
* Ability to communicate via telephone and email
* Confidence in client-facing meetings and communications
* Ability to recognise the importance of working to deadlines
* Ability to manage a busy workload and strong organisational skills
* Ability to work independently or collaboratively
* Attention to accuracy and detail
* Collaborative team member with ability to build relationships with a wide range of people
* Receptive to facilitating and supporting change
* Ability to work under pressure with planning and prioritisation; commercially aware
* IT literacy; confident user of MS Office
At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.
We ensure equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people with a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Niamh.Madden@penningtonslaw.com
Job details
* Employment type: Full-time
* Seniority level: Entry level
* Job function: Legal
* Industry: Law Practice
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