This is a great opportunity for a Paralegal to join a fast-paced and friendly Employment Team based in Reading. The ideal candidate for this role will have previous Paralegal or legal administrative experience, ideally with some knowledge of data protection legislation and experience handling Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs).
You will be enthusiastic, organised and have a good degree of resilience and composure to provide a high-quality and professional service to the fee earners within the Employment Team and our clients. You will be responsible for assisting with the management and processing of DSARs, ensuring requests are handled accurately, efficiently and within the required statutory timescales.
You will be part of a supportive team and valued for your individual contribution, with opportunities to develop your skills and experience through appropriate training and guidance.
- Ability to work independently within the scope of instructions and protocols provided by senior fee earners.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with clients, colleagues and third parties.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple requests and prioritise work effectively.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to review large volumes of documentation accurately.
- Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
- Excellent IT skills, including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel.
- An understanding of confidentiality, data protection and the importance of handling sensitive personal information appropriately.
- The ability to work to strict deadlines and remain composed when dealing with urgent or complex requests.
- Previous experience of DSARs, document review or data protection work would be advantageous.
Work type
- Assist with the management of Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) from receipt through to completion, under the supervision of the relevant fee earner.
- Maintain a central record of DSARs, including key dates, statutory deadlines, progress updates and actions required.
- Assist with acknowledging requests, preparing correspondence and liaising with relevant individuals and departments as directed.
- Identify, locate and collate relevant personal data and documentation from electronic and paper records, including emails, HR files and other document management systems.
- Liaise with clients, HR teams, IT departments and other relevant stakeholders to obtain information and documentation required to respond to requests.
- Review and organise documents to identify relevant personal data and assist with the preparation of disclosure packs.
- Identify information that may require redaction or further legal review, including third-party personal data, confidential information and potentially legally privileged material, escalating decisions to the supervising fee earner where appropriate.
- Assist with the preparation of redacted documents and response packs in accordance with the firm's procedures and instructions from supervising fee earners.
- Ensure that DSARs are progressed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, internal procedures and statutory timescales, escalating potential delays or issues promptly.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic files and records, ensuring that documentation is stored securely and in accordance with the firm’s policies.
- Prepare accurate documentation, reports, schedules and correspondence using standard office practices and precedents.
- Assist with legal and procedural research relating to DSARs, data protection and employment matters as required.
- Liaise with fee earners to provide regular progress updates and highlight outstanding actions, potential risks or issues requiring attention.
- Ensure that all personal data and confidential information are handled securely and appropriately at all times.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of standard templates, checklists and processes to support the efficient handling of DSARs.
- Ensure that all work is completed to a high standard of accuracy and quality, helping to maintain the reputation of the firm and deliver a professional service to clients.
Contractual
- 25 days holiday
- Life Assurance 5 x final salary
Non Contractual
- An additional days holiday for your birthday
- A weekly wellbeing hour
- 8 hour per annum charity work
- Cycle to work scheme
- Bring your dog to work
- Social committee events
- Season ticket travel loan
- Eligible to purchase an additional five days holiday
Team structure
- 4 x Partners
- 1 x Head of Immigration
- 1 x Chartered legal executive
- 2 x Paralegals
- 4 x Secretaries
Paralegal – Employment (DSAR) in Reading employer: Boyes Turner LLP
Boyes Turner LLP is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture in the heart of Reading, Berkshire. With a strong commitment to professional development, you will have ample opportunities for growth while working on meaningful cases that make a real difference in the lives of families and children. The hybrid role offers flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional responsibilities with personal commitments, all within a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in education law.
