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 Real Estate group is one of the largest real estate teams in the UK, advising an impressive range of clients including commercial and residential developers, investors, major corporate occupiers and banks/funders. Offering exceptional market knowledge the team holds an outstanding reputation with clients and the market generally. “Clients are full of admiration for this team, noting it combines outstanding technical expertise with a “very” responsive service” (Chambers).

Under supervision:

• Managing client files, running own transactional files on Landlord and Tenant related matters, straightforward acquisitions, disposals and estate management works
• Managing a high volume of matters for key clients, sometimes with short deadlines
• Recording time and working towards billing targets
• Assisting the legal advisors in real estate and other departments (such as corporate) as necessary with transactions and post-completion transactional work, including completion of SDLT returns and submissions within deadlines, serving notices of assignment and making Land Registry applications
• Communicating 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
• Assisting on large portfolio transactions, preparing title packs, disclosure bundles and setting up and uploading information into data rooms
• Completing property reports and schedules.
• Assisting 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
• 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.