At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a paralegal, supporting various litigation tasks and gaining valuable legal experience.
- Company: Be part of Clarke Willmott, a respected national law firm that values diversity and individual growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, comprehensive training, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Kickstart your legal career in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Qualifications: A strong academic background in law and some paralegal experience are preferred; enthusiasm is key!
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working, allowing you to balance office and home work effectively.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Our Commercial and Private Client Litigation team has an exciting opportunity for a paralegal to join their team in the Bristol office.
Who we are:
You’ll be joining a national law firm that enjoys a strong reputation, made possible by our exceptional people – each chosen for their industry knowledge and passion for their field. We want to help you to reach your full potential, love the work you do and deliver the best results for your clients. It’s our goal to make you feel great about working with us, and we work hard to cultivate a culture that makes it easy for you to stay with us for many years. We work flexibly and you’ll be empowered to work where you do your best work, balancing your individual needs with the need for us to engage as teams and deliver excellent client service. Most of our people choose to work in a hybrid fashion, working from home and attending our offices on occasion.
The role:
Our Commercial and Private Client Litigation team is seeking a bright, enthusiastic and hardworking individual to join them as a Paralegal. As a paralegal in this team you will enjoy access to a wide variety of dispute resolution work. The team, ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners Directories, acts for businesses, landed estates, farms and private clients in relation to agriculture, rural property, private client, commercial and regulatory matters. It is an excellent place to begin or develop your legal career by gaining broad exposure to a wide variety of disputes. As a paralegal supporting the full team of 15 Lawyers and Partners, you will benefit from experiencing a range of working styles providing high quality legal advice and exceptional client service.
Your work will vary from day to day. You will help deal with legal research, evidence gathering, procedural work and routine case preparation and administration. You will liaise with clients, experts and other witnesses, court officials and opposing parties, assist with document drafting/preparation (including witness statements and court applications), note taking and costing. You will also assist with trial and hearing preparation and you will have opportunities to attend court hearings. In short, you will get involved in many aspects of litigation and file management processes and assist on related team activities. Working with supervision to help you develop your skills, you will build your legal experience. We recruit trainee solicitors onto the CW SQE Pathway from our pool of paralegals and this litigation team includes one Senior Associate, three solicitors and a trainee who joined us as paralegals.
This role will allow you to work flexibly, with the majority of the week in our Bristol office and the remainder in your home working environment, if you wish. It is an integral part of this role that you comply with information security and all firm policies and procedures.
About you:
We are looking for someone who can make an immediate impact so, as a minimum, you will have a good technical grounding in the law. You may have some paralegal experience (in any field) you’ll be keen to develop your legal career undertaking complex dispute resolution work. You’ll need a strong intellect to succeed in this role, so we will be looking for a corresponding level of consistent academic achievement. You’ll also need to show us that you have initiative, drive and great organisational skills. The work requires self-motivation, resilience and the ability to work to demanding deadlines. You will relish helping others and be eager to learn. We expect you to be someone who takes pride in your work and who will provide a first class support service to your fee earners, anticipating their needs in advance wherever possible, and paying meticulous attention to detail in all of your work. Finally, legal practice is about people and this is very much a team orientated role.
What we can offer you:
A career at Clarke Willmott will feel different to other law firms. We thrive on our individual differences and diversity because as a team, we are united by our shared values and mutual respect. Working with us you will feel empowered, valued and free to be yourself in a safe and supportive environment. Our mission is to help you realise your full potential whilst maintaining a positive work-life balance. We provide a comprehensive learning and development programme and a range of wellbeing initiatives to support your career journey. There’s no doubt we expect the best from our people and even the occasional extra mile. In return, your dedication and commitment to the continued success of the firm will be rewarded with a comprehensive range of flexible benefits.
If you would like to apply for this vacancy, please send us your CV and covering letter using the form below. (If you have any difficulties with the form, you can email your application to us at careers@clarkewillmott.com)
As a firm we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. Our recruitment privacy notice details how information is collected, processed and how long it is retained for.
Paralegal – Commercial & Private Client Litigation – Bristol employer: Clarke Willmott
Contact Detail:
Clarke Willmott Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal – Commercial & Private Client Litigation – Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific areas of law that the Commercial and Private Client Litigation team focuses on. Understanding agriculture, rural property, and regulatory matters will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the firm, especially those in the litigation team. They can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your initiative by staying updated on recent legal developments relevant to the role. This shows your commitment to the field and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and how you've managed multiple tasks in previous roles. The ability to handle demanding deadlines is crucial, so have examples ready to illustrate your experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal – Commercial & Private Client Litigation – Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the paralegal role in Commercial and Private Client Litigation. Emphasise any legal research, evidence gathering, or case preparation experience you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Mention specific aspects of the job description that excite you, such as the opportunity to work on a variety of disputes and the supportive team environment.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure. Provide examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated these qualities, especially in a legal context.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial in the legal field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarke Willmott
✨Research the Firm
Before your interview, take some time to research Clarke Willmott. Understand their values, culture, and the specific work they do in Commercial and Private Client Litigation. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the firm.
✨Showcase Your Legal Knowledge
As a paralegal, having a solid grounding in law is crucial. Be prepared to discuss relevant legal concepts and demonstrate your understanding of dispute resolution processes. Highlight any previous experience or coursework that relates to the role.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
The role requires great organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled deadlines or complex projects, showcasing your ability to stay organised under pressure.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since this is a team-oriented role, be ready to discuss how you work well with others. Share examples of successful collaborations and how you communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. This will highlight your fit within their team culture.