Document Automation Developer

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 are seeking 2 permanent Document Automation Developers who will form part of a team responsible for the development and maintenance of the IT systems and services employed by Shoosmiths' legal and business support departments. The post-holder will be involved in all phases of the development of business-changing enterprise solutions, using Contract Express and other technologies. The post-holder will also contribute significantly to third-tier support processes, resolving problems, documenting root causes and improving service levels.

Systems Development and Administration

• Methodically investigate, analyse and document business requirements.
• Design, develop and maintain key software components using contract express, in accordance with Shoosmiths Software and Security Development Lifecycles.
• Provide automation/authoring services and consulting support with specialist technical input with Users (PSL’s LA’s etc)
• Build, update and maintain automated products and workflow solutions
• Test automated documents correcting errors and recording changes
• Advise Users on best practice using legal automation products and related workflow solutions
• Analyse and translate functional and business requirements into quality automated products
• Ensure automation products are consistent with Shoosmiths brand and approach to automation (style, naming conventions etc).
• Develop user support materials (as required) and working with the broader team to develop and deliver user training as needed.
• Ensure appropriate technical documentation is created and maintained for all developments.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with automated product owners, vendors and consultants.
• Work with Shoosmiths Project Managers, providing accurate development estimates as requested.
• Ensure systems change management is carried out in accordance with agreed standards and procedures.

Service Management

• Administer and maintain the Shoosmiths’ systems in accordance with the needs of the business.
• Provide technical and user support on Shoosmiths’ document automation solutions.
• Provide a key point of liaison between the business and the IS Department, ensuring a rapid response to all problems, ideas, issues and queries raised.
• Develop implementation plans required to deal with complex requests for change, evaluating any risks to the integrity of Shoosmiths infrastructure associated with the change.
• Support other members of the Development team and of the IS Department as a whole.

Role-specific knowledge and expertise 

Essential

• A minimum of 2 years experience developing document automation and workflow solutions within the legal or professional services sector
• Experience of workflow or BPM tools
• Strong MS Office skills (i.e. Word)
• High level of attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise
• Ability to think creatively and analytically
• Ability to follow tight deadlines, work within budget, manage multiple workstreams concurrently
• Ability to work to tight deadlines, work within budget and demonstrate a capacity to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to confidently communicate with other legal and business service professionals and clients
• High level of personal integrity, imitative and collegiality with a demonstrated capacity to work both independently and in a team environment
• Good understanding of IT systems and infrastructure.

Preferred

• Experience using Contract Express to develop document automation solutions
• Knowledge of Sharepoint

Experience, qualifications and other role-specific requirements

Essential

• Good A Levels/BTEC Preferred
• Experience in a professional services firm or other service sector industry

Additional details

Occasional travel to other Shoosmiths offices may be necessary.

It is essential that the post holder can work flexible or extended hours to complete some tasks outside of core business hours of 08:00 to 18:00.

The post-holder will ensure full compliance with all Data Protection laws and any relevant policies and guidelines.

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.