Paralegal

Weightmans is a Top 45 law firm with offices throughout the UK. Having been recognised as the leading legal employer at the annual Britain's Top Employers awards and achieved several top rankings in Chambers UK 2016, we are immensely proud of the work we carry out for our clients and the culture we provide to our people.

Our Casualty team provides a full, expert service in defending public and employers' liability claims, particularly workplace, public sector and claims against the emergency services. Weightmans' team is second-to-none in providing defendant litigation services in these specialist areas. We operate on a national basis with dedicated workplace, public and police teams.

To manage a caseload of both Litigated and pre-litigated  EL/PL cases from receipt of instruction to conclusion.  To ensure that cases are dealt with in accordance with agreed service level agreements and to corporate standards.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Manage own caseload of pre-litigation EL/PL/Utility cases with a handling authority of up to £50,000.
• To deal with files proactively.
• To adhere to service level agreements and corporate standards and to ensure that work completed adheres to these standards.
• To review cases upon allocation and to assess and advise upon liability and quantum.
• To draft letters and make telephone calls in a courteous and professional manner.
• To deal with cases in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules.
• To deal with incoming post/emails/telephone calls.
• To process settlement cheques in accordance with Solicitors Accounts Rules.
• To deal with insurer clients/clients/third party insurers/solicitors and third parties in a professional and courteous manner.
• To prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
• To gain knowledge of the Case Management system.
• To work in accordance with the values of the Firm.
• To be responsible for their own professional development.
• To comply with Data Protection procedures.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive and you will be expected to perform other duties and have other responsibilities that fall within the wider remit of the role.

• Must have at least 12 months previous Defendant pre lit/litigation  EL/PL experience
• Desirable if candidate has some utility work experience but not essential as training will be provided
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to work to tight deadlines whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to hit team and individual targets.
• Computer literate – experience of using a Case Management system desirable but not essential.
• A drive and desire to provide insurer clients/clients with the best possible service.
• Willingness to assist team members when necessary.

Please note:

• Any reference to experience or PQE in our adverts or job descriptions is to be used as a guideline only. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and with different levels of experience who can demonstrate that they fulfil the requirements of the role.

• The successful candidate appointed to this role will be subject to our standard background checking process, and any offer of employment made is conditional upon successful completion of those checks. Further details can be obtained from the Recruitment team.