Paralegal

Paralegal

Reading Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist landlords and insurance companies with residential possession work and legal advice.
  • Company: Join Shoosmiths, a top 50 law firm known for excellent service and innovative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible benefits, and a supportive working environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making an impact in property litigation while developing your legal skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in residential possession work is essential; law degree or ILEX qualification preferred.
  • Other info: Shoosmiths values diversity and inclusion, fostering a community that supports all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

Our national Property Litigation team has extensive experience and unrivalled expertise in dealing with this complex area of the law. With one of the largest property litigation practices in the UK, we are able to assist clients in all areas of landlord and tenant litigation, and in any real estate dispute. We act, for example, in connection with break notices; dilapidations; forfeiture; land registration disputes; issues relating to landlord's consent; lease renewals; possession claims; recovery of rent and other arrears; rights to light and other easement disputes; service charge issues; property related insolvency; and restrictive covenants. We also advise on a number of niche areas of law, including property related telecommunications issues, judicial review, and agricultural law. Our clients include household names in the retail and leisure sectors, investment landlords, developers of both commercial and residential land, local authorities, and other public bodies.

The role sits within the national residential litigation team as part of the sub-team specialising in residential possession work for landlords and insurance companies. The candidate will provide legal advice to, and act on behalf of, private landlords as well as large insurance companies in respect of recovering possession of residential properties let on assured shorthold tenancies, assured tenancies, rent act tenancies and common law tenancies.

Skills and qualifications

  • Previous experience in residential possession work (ideally for landlords) is essential.
  • The candidate will be expected to have detailed knowledge of the procedures and legal requirements for recovering possession of properties let on the types of tenancies set out above.
  • Law Degree, LPC or completed/working towards ILEX qualification would be preferable, but not essential provide the candidate has sufficient experience in residential possession work.
  • Self-confidence and ability to demonstrate initiative.
  • Good working knowledge of various applications – word, excel, outlook, case management systems.
  • Used to high volume work with tight turnaround times.
  • Flexible with the ability to adapt to change, new practices and remain calm under pressure and find solutions.
  • Good organisational skills to ensure that the tasks are effectively scheduled within working time available, and that urgent work is completed and returned within the specified timescales.
  • Able to integrate within a team as well as working on one’s own initiative.
  • Ability to deliver a quality service to both internal and external clients.

Equal opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues. 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.

Paralegal employer: Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation within a supportive team environment. With a comprehensive benefits package and a strong focus on employee growth and diversity, we empower our paralegals to thrive in their roles while working on high-quality cases that make a real impact. Our culture, recognised by the 'Platinum Standard' Investors in People, ensures that every team member can be their authentic self and contribute meaningfully to our clients' success.
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Contact Detail:

Shoosmiths LLP Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Paralegal

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific types of tenancies mentioned in the job description, such as assured shorthold tenancies and rent act tenancies. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the property litigation field. Attend relevant legal seminars or workshops where you can meet current paralegals or solicitors. This could provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on recent changes in property law and residential possession procedures. Being knowledgeable about current trends and legal updates will set you apart from other candidates during discussions.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with high-volume work and tight deadlines. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar situations in the past, as this is crucial for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal

Knowledge of Residential Possession Law
Experience in Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Legal Research Skills
Attention to Detail
Strong Communication Skills
Case Management Proficiency
Organisational Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Self-Confidence and Initiative
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Adaptability to Change
Teamwork and Collaboration Skills
Client Service Orientation
Time Management Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Paralegal position at Shoosmiths. Familiarise yourself with the specific areas of law they focus on, especially residential possession work.

Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in residential possession work. Emphasise any previous roles that involved legal advice for landlords or insurance companies, and showcase your knowledge of tenancy laws and procedures.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the role and the firm. Mention why you are drawn to Shoosmiths and how your skills align with their values. Be sure to include examples of how you've demonstrated initiative and problem-solving in past roles.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the legal field.

How to prepare for a job interview at Shoosmiths LLP

✨Know Your Residential Possession Law

Make sure you brush up on the specific laws and procedures related to residential possession work. Being able to discuss your knowledge of assured shorthold tenancies and other relevant types will show that you're well-prepared and serious about the role.

✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills

Since the role involves managing high volumes of work with tight deadlines, be ready to share examples of how you've effectively organised tasks in previous positions. Highlighting your ability to prioritise and manage time efficiently will impress the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Teamwork and Initiative

This position requires both teamwork and the ability to work independently. Prepare examples that illustrate how you've successfully collaborated with others, as well as instances where you've taken the initiative to solve problems or improve processes.

✨Emphasise Your Adaptability

The legal field can be unpredictable, so it's important to demonstrate your flexibility and calmness under pressure. Share experiences where you've had to adapt to changes quickly and how you managed to maintain quality service during those times.

Paralegal
Shoosmiths LLP
Location: Reading
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