At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovative legal projects and collaborate with experienced lawyers in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join BCLP, a forward-thinking law firm redefining the legal landscape.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to cutting-edge legal tech and a diverse range of departments.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values curiosity and innovation in the legal field.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in Law and a strong interest in legal technology.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At BCLP, we’ve built our firm on the foundations of thinking differently. Curious, inquisitive and unbound by tradition, we’re building change within our sector and beyond. It starts with our people, which is why we need a Knowledge & Innovation Paralegal to join our team as one of three Knowledge & Innovation Paralegals located out of the London office. This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with experienced Knowledge Lawyers, whilst supporting the implementation and development of legal technology solutions and enhancing the firm’s knowledge capabilities.
As a law firm, our greatest asset is the collective legal knowledge and expertise of our lawyers. One of the main purposes of the Global Knowledge Group is to capture, organise, disseminate and leverage BCLP’s knowledge. The Global Knowledge Group comprises 3 teams:
- A central Knowledge and AI Enablement team, responsible for the development and adoption of knowledge-related and AI technology used in the firm, as well as promoting a knowledge-sharing culture.
- A Knowledge & Innovation Lawyer team, embedded within our practice groups and giving specialised knowledge support to our lawyers across a range of legal disciplines, including Litigation & Investigations (L&I), Real Estate and Corporate & Finance Transactions.
- The Research, Information and Intelligence team, which provides librarian and analyst support services to our lawyers in all offices.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to see “behind-the-scenes” of a law firm, and get involved in a variety of knowledge & innovation projects. This role reports in to both the Lead Knowledge Lawyer within L&I, and the Senior Legal Technologist within the Knowledge and AI Enablement team, where the role will be located one day a week. This provides an opportunity to be deeply involved in a range of legal technology projects (including Generative AI). Four days a week, this role primarily involves supporting Knowledge & Innovation Lawyers based in our Litigations & Investigations Department under the supervision of the Lead Knowledge & Innovation Counsel for L&I. Our L&I department comprises five practice groups: (i) Business & Commercial Disputes; (ii) Employment; (iii) Financial Services Disputes & Investigations; (iv) Antitrust, Competition and Trade; and (v) International Arbitration, Real Estate and Construction Disputes (ARC). This paralegal role will therefore gain a wide variety of experience.
The Knowledge Group is uniquely positioned in the firm, and works with a diverse range of departments and roles. You will gain exposure to all aspects of our business, and gain a great insight into how international law firms work. You will work alongside qualified lawyers, legal technologists/data architects, skilled project managers and legal researchers, and have the opportunity to develop a multidisciplinary skillset. You will gain valuable exposure to, and have the opportunity to work directly with, emerging technologies and tools (including GenAI) which are re-shaping the legal landscape.
Responsibilities
Your Litigation & Investigations responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the six L&I Knowledge Lawyers in their roles;
- Helping keep the group and its clients up-to-date on procedural, legal and market developments;
- Organising and participating in Innovation/Technology trials and facilitating the implementation and use of AI and technology within L&I;
- Creating and amending L&I Knowledge intranet pages and generally assisting with maintaining know-how resources/collections;
- Helping to run and organise internal L&I technical and trainee training programmes and know-how sessions;
- Assisting with creation of new templates, practice notes and guidance, and updating knowledge content to reflect legal, procedural and market changes;
- Helping prepare client briefing notes/guides, including assisting with blog processes and conflict checks;
- Assisting on a range of other knowledge projects on-going within L&I from time to time;
- Assisting with the preparation of value-add knowledge provision to clients including through client knowledge bulletins, training and knowledge updates/trackers;
- Assisting with horizon scanning and ad hoc knowledge provision internally via Teams channels and email;
- Collating materials for and presenting at internal L&I practice group knowledge meetings;
- Providing support and assisting with collation of material for L&I specific ad hoc knowledge initiatives including Events Trackers and Counsel Directories;
- Assisting with knowledge support for Business Development initiatives and pitches.
Your Knowledge & AI Enablement responsibilities include:
- Assisting with the implementation and evaluation of new technology and tools;
- Providing first-hand support to L&I lawyers and fee-earners in relation to Knowledge Solutions’ systems, processes, and resources;
- Working alongside lawyers to audit the knowledge content on our firm’s Knowledge systems, including BCLP Discover;
- Actively monitoring lawyer engagement with our systems/processes by collecting usage data and helping to create visualized data reports;
- Testing new Knowledge systems and providing feedback on functionality;
- Providing other support as needed to colleagues across the Knowledge Solutions team.
Essential experience and qualifications
- Undergraduate degree, ideally in Law
- Strong interest in legal technology and innovation
- AI literacy, ideally with experience of prompt engineering
- Excellent IT skills including Excel and Word
- Attention to detail and good organisational skills
- A great team player
- Willingness to learn, with a can-do attitude
- Ability to manage and prioritise numerous workstreams at the same time
- Strong written and oral communication, including good drafting skills
Travel
This position requires hybrid working with a minimum of four days working in the London office per week.
At Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner we understand the value of a diverse workforce and we believe people perform at their best when they can truly be themselves at work. We aim to create an inclusive environment where all our employees are valued, motivated and able to be themselves.
Knowledge & Innovation Paralegal (Litigation & Investigations) employer: BCLP
At BCLP, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. As a Knowledge & Innovation Paralegal in our London office, you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive environment that values your contributions and promotes continuous learning. With access to cutting-edge legal technology and a commitment to employee development, BCLP is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the legal sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Knowledge & Innovation Paralegal (Litigation & Investigations)
✨Get Involved in Legal Communities
Join local legal societies or student law groups. These are a goldmine for networking and often host events where you can meet professionals from firms like BCLP. Plus, you might run into opportunities for mentorship or internships!
✨Showcase Your Skills at Events
Attend law fairs and workshops to meet potential employers face-to-face. Practise your pitch about why you're excited about joining the field and how you'd fit in at firms like BCLP. This can make you memorable!
✨Utilise Your University Resources
Tap into your university's career services, especially those that focus on law. They often have exclusive access to internships and entry-level positions that aren’t advertised widely. Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find openings that excite you, like roles at BCLP, apply directly through their website. This often shows your genuine interest and can speed up the process compared to generic application sites. Let's get you noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Knowledge & Innovation Paralegal (Litigation & Investigations)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for an entry-level role in legal law services, make sure to highlight any relevant coursework or certifications you've completed. Mention any specific areas of law you've studied or written about — this shows we're engaged with the field and can bring fresh ideas to BCLP.
Tailor Your CV for the Legal Sector:A legal CV should focus heavily on your academic achievements, including your grades if they're strong. Don't forget to list any internships, volunteer roles, or relevant extracurricular activities. This is our chance to showcase how eager we are to learn and contribute to BCLP!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, it's important to convey not only your qualifications but also your passion for law. Tell a story about why you're excited about this field and what draws you to this specific role at BCLP. We're looking for personality as much as for qualifications!
Proof of Legal Skills:If you've done any legal writing, such as articles, blogs, or even school papers, consider including links or attachments to these works. It's a great way to demonstrate your writing and research skills, which are crucial in the legal world. We're all about showing, not just telling, at BCLP!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCLP
✨Brush Up on Legal Terminology
As we dive into legal law services, it’s key to be familiar with industry-specific jargon. Make sure to review terms like 'tort', 'contract', and 'statute'. This shows you’re not just sitting on the sidelines but are genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Highlight Your Research Skills
Legal roles heavily rely on research capabilities. During the interview, be ready to illustrate how you've utilised research methods in your studies or previous internships. It’s all about showing you can dig deep when it comes to case law or statutes!
✨Know Your Ethical Guidelines
Ethics are a huge part of the legal industry. Be prepared for questions about ethical dilemmas or professional responsibility. Familiarise yourself with codes of conduct relevant to the role so you can demonstrate your understanding during the chat with BCLP.
✨Emphasise Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an entry-level role, your motivation and learning potential should shine through. Share specific examples of what you hope to gain from this role at BCLP and how you plan to grow in the legal field.
