Paralegal

Shoosmiths - UK Law Firm of the Year Winner at the Legal Week British Legal Awards 2015.

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 top ranking Commercial group “epitomises professionalism – they are just what in-house counsel require – very experienced; intelligent, commercially minded; and supreme negotiators” (The Legal 500). From contracts for e-business to major outsourcing projects, and whether relating to purchasing, production, marketing, selling, infrastructure or technology, our lawyers understand the need to be both commercial and apply the law in real life situations in partnering our clients to achieve their commercial objectives.

We are keen to speak with existing commercial paralagals who are looking for an exciting and different career opportunity.  This assignment will be working in-house for a high profile client based in Milton Keynes. 

• Being the first contact for all client legal and contractual queries and providing day to day legal support to client; including responding to general commercial queries and arranging legal support relating to other areas (for example commercial, corporate, property, employment, tax, and regulatory).
• Drafting simple commercial documents, assisting clients with contract negotiations and carrying out legal research.
• Managing the administration of corporate transactions for client entities across the EMEA region.
• Delegating client queries to external contacts and/or the relevant Shoosmiths’ team where necessary.
• Providing assistance to the Shoosmiths’ teams dealing with delegated work.
• Providing client with monthly progress reports on work completed (following approved templates).
• Communicating effectively and confidently with the client and external contacts (both in writing and by telephone) to provide advice and dealing with initial queries.
• Managing matters to ensure client deadlines are met.

• Degree and LPC or ILEX qualified.
• At least 6-12 months previous legal experience within a paralegal role within a Commercial practice area
• 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 etc.
• 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.
• Ability to deliver a quality service to both internal and external clients.

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.