Paralegal

A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 100 law firm to achieve “Gold Standard” Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance and pomposity makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

Access Legal from Shoosmiths offers a full range of personal legal services ranging from simple commoditised matters such as Will writing and conveyancing through to complex matters such as estate management, inheritance tax planning and complex medical negligence claims.

Our Paralegal roles focus on providing an exceptional experience for all potential new and existing clients. You will be responsible for assisting a team of Legal Advisors and assist across the wider Medical Negligence team with Medical Negligence claims with a broad range of values.

• Provide a comprehensive case progression service including helping to manage litigation timetables, deadlines, medical reports, appointments, etc
• Assist in evidence gathering to include medical reports, statements, other documentary evidence and experts’ reports.
• To ensure that all work and the collected evidence is properly marshalled and recorded on the file, its source documented with full explanations and clear notes of work done and advice given.
• Take detailed witness statements as required both on and off site
• Research and preparation of legal papers.
• Be available to proactively advise as well as respond to clients and assist others involved in case preparation by telephone and in person
• To manage correspondence quickly, courteously and efficiently.
• To develop rapport with client’s witnesses, Counsel and experts thereby assisting in delivering excellent client service

Previous legal experience ideally within Clinical Negligence or Litigation in a paralegal/legal assistant role is required and client care experience within a professional environment.    Successful candidates will have an excellent telephone manner, strong client orientation and professional approach.   You must demonstrate excellent organisational skills, an ability to work to deadlines and attention to detail.

Although we will provide comprehensive training on our products, services and systems you will already have good keyboard skills and be familiar with Microsoft Office packages.

The role is based in Birmingham but with some occasional travel across the majority of offices and locations.

• Degree plus possibly LPC or ILEX qualified.
• At least 6 months experience within a legal environment in a similar paralegal role, ideally within clinical negligence or litigation.
• Excellent client care skills.
• Self confidence and ability to demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to grasp things quickly and easily.
• Enthusiastic with a positive, can do attitude.
• Good working knowledge of various applications – word, excel, outlook, digital dictation.
• Taking care and attention into all correspondence and documentation.
• Flexible with the ability to adapt to change, new practices and remain calm under pressure and find solutions.
• Excellent presentation skills reflected in their work.
• A methodical and organised approach with keen attention paid to every detail.
• Good organisational skills to ensure that the tasks are effectively scheduled within working time available, and that urgent work is completed and returned within the specified timescales.
• Friendly and helpful approach to dealing with queries.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Able to integrate within a team as well as working on ones own initiative.
• Ability to deliver a quality service to both internal and external clients.

Shoosmiths is a committed Equal Opportunities employer promoting equality of opportunity. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.