Job Description
Commercial Litigation Junior ParalegalJob PurposeTo provide support to the fee earners within the Commercial Litigation department in Gloucester with day to day running of Commercial Litigation related cases with a view to progressively taking on more responsibility for litigated files. Full training and support will be given.Key Duties and Responsibilities• Opening new files as and when instructed and ensuring files are kept tidy and up-to-date and closing and archiving files when matter is completed. Checking nil balance with Accounts and archiving files• Photocopying of documents and preparing court bundles• Taking initial debt recovery instructions from clients and utilising case management software to update file records• Preparing and typing own correspondence by email or letter to clients, opposing lawyers, litigants-in-person, court and other third parties (checking with the Fee Earner for more complex correspondence)• Identifying the urgency of phone calls and ensuring messages are brought to the attention of the appropriate fee earner• Undertaking searches and enquiries with external agents• Updating client identity information, databases and directories as appropriate• Administrative support for client seminars, team meetings, business development and marketing• Handling caseload comprising of low value debt claims and eventually progressing to larger value or more complex cases based on experience. • Actively settling cases in line with client instructions• Progressing cases from the Pre-Action phase to Trial and Enforcement stage• Providing updates to client as and when appropriate• Chasing and following up on information needed to progress cases• Preparing court documents such as statements of case, court forms, applications and witness statements• Engaging in verbal and written negotiations with opposing lawyers and where necessary other parties• Providing the Head of Department with ad-hoc assistance on case-related matters and department related matters• Attending client meetings with senior staff• Providing telephone assistance to clients and advising on straightforward procedural matters.Person SpecificationEssential• Right to live and work in the UK, e.g. valid UK passport or appropriate visa/work permits.• A Levels or equivalent and at least GCSE Level 4 (Grade C) or above in Maths and English, Degree, LPC or SQE • Verbal & written negotiation skills• Experience of working in a busy office environment • Self-organised and proactive• Ability to take responsibility and solve problems• Client focussed• Attention to detail• Ability to maintain client confidentiality• Adaptable to the needs of the business as changes occur during the operational requirements • Competent in the effective use of Information and Communications Technologies (lCT).• The ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and work under pressure • Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.• The ability to work as a team Desirable• Specific knowledge and experience of Commercial Litigation• Experience of working in a law firm • Working knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules• Experience of Debt RecoveryLocation: Gloucester, GL4 3RTSalary: £24,000 - £25,000Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm with 1 hour lunchCompliance As part of our compliance procedures, applicants are asked to note that:• references will be followed up• all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily• proof of identity and (where applicable) qualifications will be required• reference requests will ask specifically whether the applicant has ever been subject to any proceedings/complaints initiated by the Law Society or any other professional body.• appropriate suitability checks may be required prior to confirmation of appointment.Equal OpportunitiesDavies and Partners Solicitors provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable national laws. Davies and Partners Solicitors complies with applicable national laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.You may also have experience in the following: Commercial Litigation, Litigation Support, Paralegal, Construction Law, Legal Assistant, Administrative Support, Administrator, Legal Executive, Legal Secretary, Legal Administrator, Law Graduate, Legal Graduate, etc.REF-222 637