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.

We have over 260 litigation legal advisers based across the UK who are highly skilled specialists with the expertise to solve whatever contentious problem our clients may have.  We cover a broad range of specialisms including commercial litigation, contract disputes, fraud, intellectual property, professional negligence, construction and engineering, regulatory, insurance, IT, real estate and lending and banking disputes.

• Managing client files, running files on commercial litigation/insurance matters (under supervision).
• Assisting legal advisors in the department with various commercial litigation/insurance matters.
• Communicating effectively and confidently with clients, external solicitors and the Court (both in writing and by telephone) to provide advice and deal with initial queries.
• Managing matters for key clients, sometimes with short deadlines.
• Recording time and working towards billing targets set within the commercial litigation/insurance team.
• Assisting with various other tasks as required.

• Degree and LPC or CILEX qualified.
• At least 2 years’ experience in general commercial litigation/insurance
• 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.
• 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.
• Knowledge and experience of using the CPR on a regular basis.
• Time management skills and an ability to adhere to tight court deadlines
• Experience in dealing with all the requirements of disclosure and drafting witness statements.
• Ideally have experience in dealing with EL & PL personal injury claims an advantage (although training can be given and not essential).

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.