Paralegal

Lewis Silkin is a UK top-100 commercial law firm with offices in London, Oxford, Cardiff, Dublin and Hong Kong. The firm is recognised by clients and industries alike as being distinct: for its deep understanding, insight and advice to creative, innovative and brand-focused businesses; for its market-leading international practice in employment, immigration and reward; and for delivering pragmatic, commercial advice in a refreshingly human way.

With 58 partners and more than 380 staff, the firm is structured around two key divisions; the Employment, Immigration and Reward (EIR) and the Creators, Makers and Innovators (CMI).

The Employment, Immigration and Reward Division of Lewis Silkin consists of 23 partners and around 100 other specialist lawyers. 

The Immigration team is a specialist group within the division which has 16 fee earners.  The team acts for clients from a variety of industry sectors including advertising, IT, the fashion industry, international law firms, finance and professional football and rugby clubs.

The team advises on the process of moving staff into the UK and internationally.   We also act for individuals applying for leave to remain in the UK, for British Citizenship, and HNW applying under Tier 1.

The paralegal will be providing both fee-earning and administrative support to the team with a view to ensuring that individual tasks are completed cost-effectively and at the appropriate level.

Objective of Role

The overall objective is to provide fee-earning support to the team, supporting associates and partners as requested on a day to day basis, with a view to ensuring that individual tasks are completed cost-effectively and at the appropriate level.

Key Responsibilities

Key elements of the role are:

• Assisting with applications for the right to work in the UK under Tier 2 and 5.

• Drafting checklists, application forms and cover letters.

• Checking that residence requirements are met to ensure compliance with immigration laws.

• Liaising with the UK Border Agency by e-mail or telephone to clarify and verify their requirements.

• Issuing COS’s for clients.

• Attending meetings with clients regarding their applications.

• Advising on and preparing UK visa applications for work and family reasons.

• Booking appointments with the Home Office and making payments of immigration charges and fees.

• Any other reasonable duties in line with the level of the role.

Candidate Profile

Candidates will have excellent academics along with legal qualifications or previous legal experience.  Candidates will also have IT, numeracy, practical and analytical skills, a clear communication style (both spoken and written), and above all, must be a team player with a passion to work with a fast-paced professional and friendly team.

Previous experience of or knowledge of immigration work would be advantageous but not essential as training will be provided.   

No agencies please.

Lewis Silkin is an equal opportunities employer.