Paralegal in Leatherhead, Surrey

ESP operates as an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) and New Appointment and Variation (NAV) in a highly competitive sector. We own and operate over 1,000,000 electricity, gas and water assets providing “last mile” connectivity to residential and commercial premises. Our business model is to adopt networks constructed by our accredited partners and to operate and manage these networks safely and efficiently. These arrangements are subject to contractual and legal arrangements which must be robust and well managed to ensure best outcomes for ESP.

Role Purpose

This role is ideal for individuals with growing legal experience who are ready to take on responsibility and deliver in a fast-paced infrastructure environment. Joining the in-house legal team, you will be a fundamental part in supporting the legal team in managing land rights transactions, preparing legal documentation and liaising both with internal and external clients. ESP envisage the right candidate to handle a range of land rights transactions and contribute to more complex transactions including those involving easements, transfers and leases (both leasehold and freehold interests). There will also be an opportunity to support with large commercial transactions.

The business is looking for candidates with enquiring minds who enjoy solving problems and take pride in doing a good job first time, every time.

Key Responsibilities

• Case Handling & Matter Management: The management of land transactions (i.e. leases, transfers, deeds of easements and licences) from instruction to completion with limited supervision; Support the legal team in handling more complex land title structures (e.g. reversionary leases, multi-party agreements); Maintain and update internal trackers and legal management systems for ongoing cases and implement high standards of record keeping.
• Document Preparation and Legal Research: Draft, amend, and review documentation including NDAs, basic lease/licence/easements documents, and legal correspondence; Conduct title reviews and raise relevant enquiries based on the Land Registry title documents; Registering leases, deeds at HM Land Registry using their portal and dealing with requisitions; Assist with legal research on contract law, and evolving utilities statutes and regulations.
• Stakeholder Interaction: Liaising with internal and external key stakeholders and their legal representatives; Liaising with customers to ensure they are fully supported and informed on the progress of land transactions by communicating updates on active cases clearly and promptly through customer meetings, customer calls and via our internal legal portal; Attend and minute internal and external client legal meetings.
• Legal and Administrative Support: Providing support to senior members of the team or business, with land rights, commercial transactions and ad-hoc legal activity; Assisting with the supervision of junior paralegals and promoting collaborative team working; Support with training to internal and external clients.

What Success looks like

• Demonstrates confidence in managing routine legal matters from instruction to completion.
• Adds value by proactively identifying issues, escalating where necessary, and resolving blockers in case progression.
• Communicates clearly with stakeholders and shows ownership of assigned matters.
• Meets deadlines and maintains high levels of accuracy and professionalism.

Person Specification

• Law degree or LPC/SQE1, or CILEX Level 3 preferred (or working toward qualification).
• Minimum 1–2 years' experience in a legal assistant or paralegal role (in-house or private practice).
• Exposure to land rights, property, infrastructure, or utilities sectors desirable.
• Strong knowledge of land law and familiarity with Land Registry processes.
• Experience independently managing a case load.
• Strong communication and inter-personal skills with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues and external parties.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical ability and attention to detail and proficient with MS Office.
• A good organiser with a natural ability to plan and organise to achieve objectives and targets.

Benefits include:

• Holidays: 26 days, going up to 27 after 3 years and up to 28 after 5 years of employment. The company gives you the opportunity to buy/sell up to 3 days per year.
• Bonus
• Enhanced Pension
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life insurance
• Company training programmes to help you develop.
• Employee Rewards Portal: access to exclusive discounts and flexible benefits such as Cycle to Work and EV car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Enhanced Family Friendly benefits: Enhanced maternity and paternity pay and paid time off when receiving fertility treatment.
• Volunteering day: one day a year fully paid.