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.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of our growing regulatory and white collar criminal team in the Leeds office.  The firm has an enviable client list and the regulatory team regularly represents a wide range of both individual and corporate clients in regulatory and business crime related investigations and prosecutions whilst also providing clients with compliance advice. The team has a particular strength in defending white collar crime matters including prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, CPS and FCA. 

The role is to assist the Partner and wider team with their work in providing a comprehensive and quality service to our clients. 

This is a central role to the administration and management of case preparation.  The successful candidate will need to demonstrate experience of working within a regulatory or criminal practice (defendant or prosecution) as a paralegal/legal adviser and be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of criminal procedures and terminology. 

Exposure to working on serious and complex matters is desirable and Police Station accreditation would be advantageous.

• Manage, organise and deal with incoming post/emails from 3rd parties, ensuring compliance with GDPR at all times
• Diary Management
• Regularly updating the Case Management Schedule on all cases
• Typing of key file notes – court hearings/long conferences
• Assisting the team with discreet tasks of case preparation, for example:
  • Scheduling exhibits and unused material
  • Chronology work
• Billing – managing all aspects of the monthly billing process
  • Time recording
  • Producing and reviewing billing guides
  • Liaising with the Accounts department – raising bills and dealing with all billing issues
  • Corresponding with clients/insurers regarding bills
  • Maintaining accurate billing schedules and filing
• Liaising with Counsel, Courts and 3rd parties when necessary
• Organising (and attending when necessary) conferences with Counsel and 3rd parties
• Managing and processing expenses for the team
• Excellent communication and organisational skills - correctly prioritising work and being aware of deadlines.
• Assisting with department marketing

• Ability to demonstrate a methodical and focused approach with a keen, analytical eye for detail
• Excellent communication and organisational skills - correctly prioritising work and being aware of deadlines
• Experienced in reviewing documents and accurately summarising the salient points
• Ability to work under pressure, taking instruction easily to meet strict deadlines
• Self-confident and ability to demonstrate initiative while working alone and as part of a team
• Display an enthusiastic, proactive and can do attitude
• Familiar with billing procedures and monthly reporting is preferable
• Serious Fraud and or Business Crime/White Collar Crime experience (defence) is desirable
• Must be confident in using Microsoft Excel and Word

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.