Role - Business Crime Paralegal (Russian Speaking) - 12m FTC
Location - London - (Hybrid)
Salary - £34,000
THE FIRM
A specialist law firm focused on heavyweight disputes, renowned for its work in business crime and civil litigation, with an impressive international client base. Clients typically instruct the firm in high-stakes matters where reputation, livelihood and liberty are at risk.
The firm’s work is often high profile, acting for multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments and investors. It is consistently recognised by leading legal directories as a market leader in financial and business crime, investigations and civil fraud, and has received multiple industry commendations and award shortlists.
The firm has a strong commitment to justice, demonstrated not only through its client work but also through respect for its people, community and the environment. It prides itself on the quality of its people, a friendly and pragmatic culture, and a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion.
ROLE OVERVIEW
An opportunity has arisen for a Paralegal who speaks fluent Russian to join our Paralegal team, assisting both our Business Crime and Commercial Litigation/Civil Fraud departments.
Your main responsibility will be to provide legal, administrative as well as interpreting and translating support to fee-earners. You may also be asked to draft research memos on a wide range of issues as they arise in the course of litigation or advising clients. Other work may include making detailed notes of meetings and conference calls with clients, Counsel and other third parties. Effective communications skills are therefore essential, together with a very high standard of written and spoken English, as well as fluent Russian.
Ideally you will be bi-lingual, or you will have degree level Russian. Alternatively, if Russian is your first language, it is essential that you have lived and worked in the UK for at least 1 year, in order to demonstrate a sophisticated knowledge of colloquial English, as well as a thorough understanding of both cultures.
You will be well-organised, conscientious, flexible and able to cope with challenging deadlines.
Required skills and qualities
In addition, the successful candidate will possess the following skills and qualities:
* Excellent written and spoken English and fluent Russian;
* A high level of academic achievement, including a 2:1 degree, plus a commendation (or equivalent) or above in the LPC/BPTC;
* Preferably at least one year previous commercial litigation/business crime paralegal experience;
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, together with a high standard of written and spoken English;
* Experience of complex and detailed document management;
* Strong IT skills including a good working knowledge of the Microsoft Office programmes;
* Experience of using legal databases such as Lexis Nexis, Westlaw and Practical Law;
* The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team;
* Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a constantly changing workload;
* Strong attention to detail;
* Excellent work ethic; and
* A proactive and positive approach to work.
* Sanctions experience would be advantageous.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALITIES
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
* A strong academic background, including a law degree or GDL and completion of the LPC or BPTC
* At least 12 months’ prior paralegal experience in contentious or criminal matters (ideally litigation-focused)
* Familiarity with eDisclosure platforms (e.g. Relativity)
* A genuine interest in criminal law and a strong work ethic
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel)
* Experience using legal research databases such as LexisNexis, Westlaw and Practical Law
* The ability to work independently and collaboratively
* Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
* Strong attention to detail
* A proactive, positive and professional approach to work