Paralegal

Closing date: 25/08/2017
Term: Contract
Duration: 1 year
Working hours: Full-time (Monday - Friday; 9.30am - 5.30pm)
Reports to: Departmental Managing Partner
Team: Family
Location: London
The Firm

Farrer & Co is an independent law firm, with a rich history. A centuries-long tradition of advising private families, individuals and charitable institutions is today complemented by our work with Businesses, Financial Services, Individuals, Families and Family Offices (IFFO), Education and Not For Profit organisations.

We look to be the market leader in our chosen areas of expertise, advising clients on the contentious and non-contentious legal, business and personal issues they face.

Our reputation and success is based on the goodwill of numerous close client relationships. We are trusted advisers, acting in our clients' long-term interests and paying careful attention to quality and personal service.

Our clients tell us they value us for our integrity, good judgement and professional excellence, as well as our broad perspective, practical solutions and value for money. They describe us as 'a likeable bunch' too.

The Team

We advise on all aspects of family law and are market leaders, as is reflected by our legal directory rankings, industry awards and strong track record.  Our clients benefit from advice that is based on years of experience, in-depth understanding, up to the minute knowledge and discretion.  The consequences of the breakdown of a relationship are often highly emotive and require a special set of skills, both professional and personal.  Our specialist group features some of the best legal talent in the country and advises wealthy individuals on the financial aspects of relationship breakdown (which can involve complicated tax and trusts issues) and complex children cases, including international relocation.

Scope

To provide paralegal support and legal research to fee-earners within the Family Team and also administrative support to the Family Knowledge Lawyer.

Responsibilities
  • Carry out legal research in all areas of Disputes & Family law, using a variety of online and reference sources.

  • Draft and proof-read legal documents and prepare written reports as requested.

  • Methodically analyse and summarise complex issues; finding solutions and communicating them effectively.

  • Provide support to fee-earners on cases through investigations, drafting, research and analysis.

  • Assist fee-earners with researching, updating, editing and publishing books and articles as requested.

  • Prepare bundles/ files as requested.

  • Assist other members of the team when preparing for Client meetings.

  • Attend client meetings, alongside other fee-earners and produce attendance notes as requested.

  • Providing general administrative support as required to members of the team including the PSL within Family.

  • Provide wider support and assistance to the team in particular during busy periods or periods of absence (e.g. assisting in picking up calls, copying and general team support).

Person Specification
  • Proactive team player and supportive colleague, with an enthusiastic manner, who takes a flexible, ‘can-do’ approach to work.

  • Confident in working autonomously/independently to meet ever-changing deadlines.

  • Meticulous and well organised.

  • Adaptable and open to change, with a strong sense of responsibility.

  • Possesses a highly proactive and innovative approach to problem solving.

  • Ability to accurately follow complex procedures and instructions.

Special aspects

Your hours of work are 09:30am-5:30pm but it is essential to be committed, flexible and prepared to work beyond the normal office hours when necessary and in response to team and client demand.