Paralegal in Bristol

We are seeking to recruit a Litigation Paralegal to join our growing Bristol-based practice, working closely with an experienced solicitor on a varied and busy litigation caseload. This role is particularly suited to someone who is serious about building a long-term career as a solicitor in civil litigation, and who is looking for genuine hands-on experience in a fast-paced and demanding environment. For the right candidate, there will be a clear opportunity for progression, including potential consideration for a Training Contract and/or another route to qualification following a successful period in post.

The role will primarily involve work in Property Disputes and Commercial / Contractual Disputes, whilst also offering exposure to a wider range of contentious civil matters as the practice requires.

Locations: Bristol – Hanham and Clifton offices

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: Competitive and in line with Law Society recommended rates, dependent on experience

Start Date: Immediate / as soon as possible

Probation: 3–6 months, with hybrid working available following successful completion of probation and subject to business needs

Daniel Woodman & Co. Limited is a long-established and respected Bristol law firm with over 25 years’ history of serving individuals and businesses across Bristol and the surrounding areas. We are proud of our reputation for providing practical, commercially-minded and client-focused legal advice, and for building strong long-term relationships with our clients.

As our contentious work continues to expand, we are looking to recruit a capable and ambitious Litigation Paralegal to support our litigation practice and to grow with the firm.

About the Work:

The successful candidate will work on a broad range of contentious matters, with a particular emphasis on:

• Property and building disputes
• Commercial disputes
• Contractual disputes
• Landlord and tenant disputes
• Debt recovery and general civil claims
• Interim and procedural applications
• Other civil litigation matters as they arise

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to understand how litigation is conducted in practice, from pre-action correspondence through to proceedings, interim applications, hearings, settlement discussions and trial preparation. The successful candidate will work closely with the supervising solicitor and will play an active role in the day-to-day conduct and progression of live matters.

The Opportunity:

This role offers meaningful exposure to a broad range of civil disputes within an established Bristol firm. The successful candidate will work closely with the supervising solicitor and will be involved in active matters at all stages of the litigation process. You will have direct exposure to clients, opponents, counsel, experts and the courts, and will gain practical experience in case progression, drafting, hearing preparation and general file management.

You will gain exposure to:

• Assisting with a varied caseload of civil litigation matters, particularly property/ disputes/ commercial / and contractual disputes
• Supporting cases from pre-action stage through to proceedings, interim applications, hearings, settlement and trial preparation
• Assisting with the preparation of correspondence, witness statements, pleadings, chronologies, instructions to counsel and other litigation documents
• Preparing court bundles, hearing bundles, document schedules and exhibits
• Liaising with clients, counsel, experts, opponents and the courts
• Managing and progressing files, chasing documents and evidence, and ensuring deadlines are properly diarised and complied with
• Assisting with hearing preparation, trial preparation and post-hearing follow-up
• Undertaking legal and factual research where required
• Supporting the supervising solicitor with day-to-day case progression and general litigation support

Key Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will assist with the day-to-day management and progression of litigation files, including:

• Opening, maintaining and progressing litigation files in accordance with SRA requirements, office procedures and file management protocols
• Drafting correspondence and assisting with the preparation of substantive written work on files
• Assisting with the preparation of pleadings, witness statements, applications, chronologies, schedules and court bundles under supervision
• Assisting with the preparation, filing and service of court documents and ensuring that filing deadlines are properly recorded and met
• Obtaining, reviewing, organising and indexing documentary evidence
• Maintaining accurate attendance notes, file notes and document records
• Managing key dates and deadlines, including hearing dates, filing deadlines and other procedural milestones
• Liaising with clients and taking instructions where appropriate
• Assisting with hearing preparation, trial preparation and post-hearing follow-up
• Undertaking legal and factual research where required
• Providing general litigation and procedural support to the supervising solicitor as needed

What We Are Looking For:

We are looking for someone who is genuinely committed to developing a career in civil litigation and who is keen to gain practical experience in a busy and varied contentious practice. The successful candidate should be hardworking, organised, resilient and proactive, with the ability to manage competing priorities and to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. This role will suit someone who is willing to take ownership of tasks, use initiative, and approach the role with professionalism, maturity and a strong work ethic.

Essential Skills / Requirements:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and file management ability
• The ability to work proactively, efficiently and with a high degree of responsibility in a busy litigation environment
• Strong time management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple active matters and deadlines
• A resilient and professional approach and the ability to remain effective under pressure
• Strong analytical ability and good legal judgment / logical thinking
• A genuine interest in developing a long-term career in civil / commercial litigation
• Strong drafting ability and confidence in preparing clear, structured and professional written work
• A professional and client-focused approach
• Good IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
• Confidence using or learning case management systems, ideally LEAP
• A willingness to learn, take responsibility and develop within the role
• The judgment to know when to work independently and when to seek guidance, so that matters continue to progress efficiently

Qualifications / Academic Background:

Applicants should ideally have:

• A qualifying LLB Law/ Law Conversion, and
• Either:
• completed the LPC / SQE,
• be currently undertaking the LPC / SQE, or
• be due to complete the LPC / SQE in the near future.

We would also be open to hearing from strong candidates who can otherwise demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in litigation and the ability to perform well in a demanding legal environment.

Preferred (but not essential):

• Previous paralegal or litigation assistant experience in civil litigation, commercial litigation or dispute resolution
• Experience assisting with court proceedings, bundles, witness statements, pleadings or pre-action correspondence
• Knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules and the litigation process
• Experience dealing with property disputes, debt recovery, landlord and tenant disputes, contract disputes or commercial disputes
• Previous experience gained in an English law firm or in another common law jurisdiction.
• A valid UK driving licence

Why Join Us?

• Join a long-established and respected Bristol firm with a strong local reputation
• Gain hands-on experience in a busy and varied litigation practice
• Work closely with an experienced solicitor on real cases from an early stage
• Build meaningful experience across property, commercial and contractual disputes
• Develop practical litigation skills in a supportive but high-quality working environment
• Benefit from genuine progression opportunities for the right candidate, including potential consideration for a Training Contract / route to qualification

Progression:

We are committed to developing talent from within the firm. For the right candidate, this role offers a genuine opportunity to progress within the litigation practice and, where appropriate, to be considered for a Training Contract or other route to qualification following a successful period in post, subject to business need, performance and suitability.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to take the next step in your legal career and would like to join an established Bristol firm with a growing litigation practice, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send your CV and covering letter to the Practice Manager, Mr. Fews, at Ben.fews@danielwoodman.co.uk, and to our Associate Solicitor, Mr. Ho, at Jack.Ho@danielwoodman.co.uk.