Paralegal

We have over 1650 employees in 13 locations across the UK and are 5* in the Diversity League. There’s no secret to our growth over recent years to become a £137m+ turnover firm. Clients, whether individuals or organisations, love working with Shoosmiths people because of the way we work and the results we consistently deliver for them. Our values guide our behaviour, and our behaviour defines our culture. We have just four values and like all the best and most effective things in life, they are simple: pulling together, talking business sense, being within reach and responsive and taking initiative.

Our team provides clients with rapid, concise and efficient legal and commercial advice. We advise on all general commercial real estate matters. Our exceptional list of clients speaks volumes as it is spread across a multitude of sectors including; commercial and residential developers, investors, retail and leisure operators, social housing bodies, major corporate occupiers, banks and other funders and a range of public sector bodies.

The existing team in the Thames Valley comprises of three partners, two senior associates, four associates, one solicitor, and a trainee.

As a paralegal in the Thames Valley Real Estate team, you would, of course, be required to undertake tasks such as scanning, copying, and the maintenance of data sites.  However, we would hope and expect that the successful candidate would, in addition, develop their capabilities and take on additional work which could include managing a number of client files, running their own transactional files on Landlord and Tenant related matters, straightforward acquisitions, disposals and estate management works.  This is very much a role that the successful candidate can “make their own”.

We would expect the candidate to be able to:

• Manage a high volume of matters for key clients, sometimes with short deadlines;
• Record time accurately and be aware of personal billing targets;
• Communicate effectively and confidently with clients and external solicitors (both written and verbal) to provide advice, negotiate transactions and deal with queries in relation to both post-completion work and own matters;
• Assist on large portfolio transactions, preparing title packs, disclosure bundles and setting up and uploading information into data rooms;
• Compile property reports and schedules and;
• Assist with various other tasks as required.

• Previous and recent experience as a real estate paralegal/legal assistant, or similar experience gained within another transactional practice area is ideal.
• Law Degree, LPC or ILEX.
• Excellent client care (both internal and external) and communication skills, with a friendly and solutions-driven approach.
• Self-confidence, initiative and the ability to grasp things quickly and easily.
• Enthusiasm and drive with a positive, can-do attitude.
• A strong working knowledge of various applications – word, excel, outlook, digital dictation.
• High levels of accuracy and exceptional attention to detail, with a methodical and organised approach.
• Flexibility in adapting to change, new practices.
• Remaining calm under pressure.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to prioritise and complete work effectively to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Ability to integrate and work within a team as well as taking responsibility for your own matters.

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.