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.

Our Private Client Practice Group offers excellent service and legal advice and are committed to delivering an amazing client experience for companies in the UK. We all need a lawyer to look after our personal affairs at some point in our lives. Whether it's helping to buy a new home, settling a legal dispute or claiming compensation for a life-changing accident or medical injury, the law protects what is important to us. Today we call our Private Client offering Shoosmiths Access Legal because that's precisely what it does. It gives our private clients access to the law through friendly, approachable people who know that understanding individual need is the first step to making the law work.

Our Medical Negligence team advises private clients on complaints and claims involving any type of medical negligence.

We have two Paralegal roles based in our Reading office and focused on providing an exceptional experience for all potential, new and existing clients.   You will be responsible for assisting a Solicitor within a team dealing with medical negligence cases. 

Your tasks and responsibilities will include, but not exclusively:

• Providing a comprehensive case progressions service including helping to manage litigation timetables, deadlines, medical reports, appointments, conferences with junior and leading counsel etc.

• Assist in evidence gathering to include medical records, statements, other documentary evidence and experts’ reports.

• To ensure that all work and the collected evidence is properly marshalled and recorded on the files.

• Take detailed witness statements as required

• Assist with the preparation of bundles for hearings/trials

• Visit clients around the UK       

• Research and preparation of legal papers

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. Being computer literate and the ability to use different types of software packages to a high standard is crucial to the role.

Applicants must have a degree or LPC or be working towards the CILEx qualification and ideally will have experience in litigation.

A full clean driving licence is desirable.

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.