At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of legal insight and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join DWF, a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy a supportive environment that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Elevate legal excellence and make a meaningful impact beyond traditional roles.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years as a solicitor with experience in commercial contracts and data protection.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Step into a role at DWF that sits at the forefront of how modern legal knowledge is created, delivered, and transformed. As a Professional Support Lawyer within the commercial contract and data protection practice areas, you'll partner closely with our various practices and clients to shape the future of legal insight. You’ll enjoy hands-on exposure to cutting-edge AI tools and play a key role in how we harness them to develop, curate, and share knowledge across our teams. If you’re passionate about elevating legal excellence, driving innovation, and making a meaningful impact beyond traditional fee-earning, this is an opportunity to help lead the evolution of how we work and the value we deliver.
The role is ideally suited to candidates based in one of our regional offices, including Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham with a flexible, hybrid working approach. Occasional travel is expected to our regional offices when required.
Responsibilities
- A PSL is required to undertake work in Knowledge Management Know How, Research and Development, and Training for our Clients.
Below is an outline of the focus areas PSL's will be expected to undertake.
- Know-how
- Identifying relevant cases and articles and disseminate to departments
- Updating the fee earning departments on key legal development
- Answering legal queries
- Identifying relevant consultation papers and preparing a response on behalf of the Firm
- Advising on use of AI tools
- Research and Development
- Carrying out discrete research on points of law
- Collation and development of precedents, practice notes and working practices
- Producing and implementing procedures to help fee earners to achieve their goals, work efficiently, strive towards best practice in the delivery of legal services, comply with regulatory obligations and any practice/business management standards, etc.
- Advising management on legal and compliance issues in conjunction with the Risk Teams
- Managing or contributing to parts of the intranet and corporate site, information databases, online products and knowledge management systems in conjunction with Marketing and IT Teams
- Innovation in research and development, process improvements/due diligence
- Training
- Identifying training needs
- Mentoring: Working with lawyers and other PSL's to influence, mentor and manage their production of evidence-led, impact-driven, authentic and timely legal content
- Organising in-house training sessions and workshops using internal and external trainers/speakers and advising on content, structure and required outcomes in conjunction with the L&D Team
- Delivering training sessions to lawyers, paralegals and administrative staff
- Producing training materials
- Client
- Producing articles, briefings and newsletters to clients, and suggesting topics for fee earners
- Arrange client training
- Deliver client training
- Attending and giving talks at external conferences/seminars
- Working on bids, tenders and client audits
What will help you succeed in this role?
- Job skills
- Ideally a minimum of five to seven years qualified as a solicitor, or equivalent, with experience in commercial contracts, and data protection and ideally with some knowledge of public procurement law
- Excellent IT skills
- Previous/current experience as a PSL/PSL; ideal but not essential
- Experience in the preparation and delivery of group training sessions; ideal but not essential
- General Skills
- Demonstrates a high level of technical knowledge and experience
- Produces high quality written materials, reports and data
- Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Well organised, uses initiative, prioritises appropriately, applies self, shows attention to detail
- Manages own workload and meets deadlines
- Demonstrates financial and commercial awareness
- Seeks and maintains good business relationships with suppliers, agents and others
- Manages excellent internal client-focused services, adds value to the business
- Manages and develops others, motivates for optimum performance, promotes teamwork
- Demonstrates sound judgement and decision making skills
- Shows commitment, passion and enthusiasm for knowledge sharing and improving the ways in which the Firm and all its staff work together
- Reflects the Firm’s culture and values
What we offer?
We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF. We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.
About us
DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.
Professional Support Lawyer in Manchester employer: DWF
DWF is an exceptional employer that values inclusivity and offers a dynamic work culture in the heart of Manchester. With hybrid working options, employees enjoy a flexible balance between professional and personal life, while also benefiting from robust opportunities for career growth and development within the Major Injury & Casualty team. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Support Lawyer in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including DWF, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Professional Support Lawyer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at DWF, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in DWF and the specific role of Professional Support Lawyer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for DWF’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at DWF
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at DWF.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at DWF.
