Commercial Litigation Paralegal
Office based: Birmingham
We are looking for a highly skilled paralegal to join our Commercial Litigation team and support our Legal Operations Team.
This role is hands-on, varied, fast-paced and ideal for someone who enjoys being busy, getting stuck in, and supporting others. You will be based full-time in our office in the centre of Birmingham.
You'll have at least one year's experience within a similar commercial litigation role or experience in handling high volume claims.
About Harper James
Harper James is a full-service commercial law firm with a unique subscription-based model for ambitious SMEs. We've grown rapidly and recently secured private-equity backing from LDC to fuel our next phase of expansion.
Key Responsibilities
You will play a crucial role in supporting our commercial litigation team in handling multiple claims. You will also be supporting our legal operations and wider legal teams with day to day support, giving you the opportunity to gain exposure across all Commercial Law practice areas. You'll provide day-to-day operational and legal support. The role involves juggling multiple tasks, responding to changing priorities, and being flexible to support office needs.
You'll work closely with the Operations team and legal teams, helping keep the back office and entire firm organised, compliant, and running efficiently.
Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Litigation team support:
* Assisting with document management, including reviewing, organising, and producing electronic and hard copy documents
* Preparing and filing court documents and other legal papers, such as costs and Statements of Case.
* Coordinating with clients, counsel, opposing solicitors and courts to schedule meetings and hearings.
* Assisting in trial preparation, exhibits, and trial binders.
* Managing case files, ensuring all documents and information are up to date and easily accessible.
* Keeping track of deadlines and court appearances to ensure compliance with case timelines.
* Formatting legal documents and preparing materials accurately and to deadlines
* Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards in handling sensitive information.
* Ensuring compliance with file management and responsibility for running cloud-based case management system.
* Preparing case updates for clients and funders.
* Preparing and sending letters before action in relation to unpaid debts.
Legal Operations
* Supporting solicitors and business teams with day-to-day legal administrative tasks including document formatting or client support
* Maintaining client records, filing systems and document archives
* Greeting visitors and clients in a professional and friendly manner
* Booking and setting up meeting rooms if required for our Legal Teams, including AV, refreshments and materials
* Handling incoming and outgoing post, couriers and deliveries for the wider legal business – this is a crucial part of the role and our firm. You will be handling large volumes of sensitive legal documentation. This may ad hoc require dropping sensitive legal post to local drop off points near the office
* Collaborate with Operations Dept. for the management of legal team supplies by monitoring inventory levels
What we are looking for
* We are looking for a paralegal with at least one year's experience within commercial litigation or handling volume claims of a similar nature (akin to debt recovery or equal pay claims for example). The important element is exposure to court work and the CPR rules
* Proficiency in document management, and case management software
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Be fluent in English and comfortable using IT and MS Office packages
* Strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively and remotely in a fast-paced environment.
* This is a busy role with changing priorities, so you'll need to stay calm under pressure, manage your time well, and be comfortable switching between tasks.
The bottom line
* An opportunity to play an important part in the next phase of growth for a law firm leading innovation within legal services.
* An environment with no politics, no bureaucracy, working with a passionate, supportive and dedicated team who all play a fundamental part in the success and continued growth of the business.
* Competitive salary
* 33 days holiday, including public holidays.
* Option to buy up to 5 holiday days a year.
* Private Healthcare
* Death in service benefit.
* Access to our electric car scheme
* Discounted gym memberships, access to retailer discounts, team socials and more
NO AGENCIES PLEASE