TST Knowledge Lawyer

We stand out for being consistently excellent in advice: we not only provide technical excellence and experience but crucially, we also demonstrate real insight into our clients and what really matters to them. Our knowledge of our chosen sectors and markets, and our investment in our client relationships set us apart.

THE TEAM

Our Transaction Services Team (TST) was set up in 2010 and carries our legal tasks which do not necessarily need to be done by qualified lawyers. The team has nearly 200 employees, made up of paralegals, legal apprentices, managers and solicitors making it one of the largest and most established teams of its kind to be found in a UK law firm. The team are supported using technology and play a key role in enabling Addleshaw Goddard to respond to client demand for more innovative and better value services. The Real Estate TST subteam support the Real Estate fee earners with complex commercial real estate transactional work undertaken for our clients. All paralegals are expected to undertake technical chargeable work and there is a range of experience across the team. Operational management of paralegals is undertaken by the TST Real Estate leadership team however the Real Estate fee earners are ultimately responsible for supervision of the tasks undertaken by the paralegals.

THE ROLE AND THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a new Knowledge Lawyer or Knowledge Manager to provide technical training and support for the TST Real Estate subteam. Our Real Estate team is made up of over 70 paralegals, apprentices and managers based primarily in our Manchester and Leeds offices, with a presence in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. For the right person, this role provides an exciting opportunity to further expand their own knowledge and skills as well as develop others and help ensure the team are providing excellent legal services. The successful candidate will have the chance to shape this new position and there are opportunities for progression. The team, along with the rest of the firm, has embedded a flexible and agile culture. Our working flexibly policy makes agile working accessible to all, whilst always balancing an individual's needs with the requirements of the team, the firm and its clients.

Responsibilities include:

• Overall responsibility for the scheduling and delivery of training for paralegals and apprentices within the TST Real Estate subteam.
• Delivering training on a range of fundamental Real Estate topics, such as Land Registry documents and applications, land tax, transactional documentation (e.g. contracts, deeds, reports), commercial leases and property management as well as creating, updating and improving related training materials.
• Leading and co-ordinating the senior paralegals aligned to the Real Estate subteam to buddy, support and deliver training for junior members of the team.
• Maintain and develop the TST Real Estate training programme including induction and ongoing training.
• Maintain the knowledge hub for Real Estate paralegals and apprentices.
• Identifying and delivering targeted one-to-one training to paralegals and apprentices.
• Collaborating with the Real Estate Group (including Knowledge Lawyers) to identify training gaps and opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge of TST paralegals and apprentices.
• Providing guidance, support and ad hoc supervision on fee earning for paralegals and apprentices.
• Supporting the wider TST Real Estate leadership team including providing feedback as part of paralegal and apprentice career development and progression conversations and processes.
• Contributing to scoping and pricing of work by providing technical expertise and advice on approach.
• Looking for opportunities to improve existing quality assurance processes.
• Ensuring that feedback identified as part of quality assurance processes is linked to the training programme.
• Consulting with the Innovation and Legal Technology and Learning and Development teams to identify training needs and ways to work more efficiently.
• Supporting the promotion of Diversity & Inclusion within the team, ensuring fair work allocation, fostering an inclusive culture, and encouraging equal access to development opportunities while aligning with firm-wide D&I initiatives.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We expect this role will appeal to both qualified lawyers (SRA or CILEx) and non-qualified Real Estate specialists, such as senior paralegals. We would be keen to hear from any applicants who are looking for something different, and who are driven to shape the role.

3+ years of Real Estate experience working in a commercial law firm which includes a good understanding of Land Registry documents and applications, SDLT and Real Estate Management work. An ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines whilst always maintaining a high attention to detail. Supervisory experience and experience of defining work processes and "best practice" approaches (desirable but not essential). Excellent written and verbal communication skills.