Paralegal

Lewis Silkin is a UK top-100 commercial law firm with offices in London, Oxford, Cardiff 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 69 partners and more than 360 staff, the firm is structured around two key divisions, Employment, Immigration & Reward (EIR) and Creators, Makers & Innovators (CMI).

The EIR Division is one of the leading employment law practices in the UK and consistently top ranked by independent legal directories, we have more recognised experts in employment than any other UK firm.  With over 100 lawyers, Lewis Silkin’s employment and immigration team offers an unrivalled service supporting clients, including many of the world’s leading businesses, on their HR, employment and immigration law needs domestically and internationally.

The work of the team as a whole is a mix of contentious and non-contentious matters, for a wide range of clients.  The lawyers undertake a significant amount of business development including giving seminars and producing Lewis Silkin branded publications.  There is a significant international element to the Division’s work, largely on account of its membership of the Ius Laboris international alliance of employment lawyers.

Objective of role

The overall objective is to provide support to the team in both a fee-earning and marketing capacity.  Fee-earning activities may include involvement in court and tribunal cases, for example the preparation of trial bundles, disclosure, liaising with witnesses, briefing counsel, taking detailed notes of hearings/conferences with counsel and attendance at courts and tribunals. 

Key duties and responsibilities

Other key elements of the role are:

• legal research
• assisting in the various marketing initiatives within the department including, in particular, researching and assisting lawyers in preparing for conferences and other speaking engagements and also meeting and greeting at firm marketing events
• providing assistance with billing, narratives and administration
• contributing copy to our websites
• work on international projects

A typical day might involve conducting research on complex employment law issues for the solicitors and partners in the department, liaising with counsel and ACAS officers as well as more hands on work such as preparing billing reports, fee statements and document bundles for tribunal hearings; reviewing and researching and drafting conference papers.

Abilities and desired qualities:

• Legal experience
• Good eye for detail
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to communicate at all levels
• Strong practical and analytical skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Professional in conduct
• Punctual at all times
• Good team player
• The ability to work overtime when required
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic

Candidate profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking Paralegal to join our busy Oxford team.

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.

The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills and enjoy working in a collaborative team environment.  They must be highly organised with a flexible nature and a co-operative and willing attitude. Prior experience and knowledge of Employment work would be advantageous but not essential as training will be provided.   

IT skills required:

• Competency in MS Office suite and Teams

Educational and professional qualifications required:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent. Law related degree would be advantageous.

At Lewis Silkin our ethos is simple. We strive to do the best for our clients, our people and the communities in which we operate. We recognise that an inclusive workplace allows for all kinds of ideas and thoughts, a variety of points of view that can trigger discussions or deliver innovative results, and a wide range of versatile skills and expertise. We are proud of the diversity within Lewis Silkin and of our culture that allows people to be themselves at work, ensuring we provide the best possible service to our clients. We are committed to finding the right person for this role and are open to discussing flexible working patterns and office location.