Litigation Paralegal

We are currently seeking a paralegal to support our expanding Civil Litigation and Arbitration team. You will be responsible for the provision of first-class administrative and legal support, whilst maintaining a high degree of self-management and initiative.

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High attention to detail
• Ability to deal efficiently with competing priorities
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent client and customer care and management
• Integrity
• Legal compliance

Areas of Knowledge and Experience Required

• Ideally a minimum of 2 years' experience as a paralegal in a civil litigation department, drafting briefs, preparing Court forms, and attending civil Court counters/registries, including the High Court (Commercial Court and Chancery Division) and Court of Appeal
• Good working knowledge of the key aspects of the CPR
• Use of the CE-File system
• Experience in international arbitration matters and/or proceedings before the Commercial Court, Chancery Division, or Court of Appeal
• Second language

Key Role Responsibilities

• Communication: Ensure that all correspondence with authorities and clients is dealt with in a timely and professional manner. Understand and uphold the firm and its employees’ obligation of confidentiality to all its clients and matters of the firm.
• Client Care and Administration: Create and manage both electronic and hard copy files, and prepare both electronic and hard copy bundles. Ensure the case management system is used effectively, making sure that client files are always up to date, and that documents and correspondence are filed on the same day. Complete client questionnaires, as well as all court and tribunal forms and applications. Attention to detail and fact checking.
• Drafting: A high level of drafting, under supervision, of all court pleadings, applications and supporting documentation, in addition to letters, legal advice, statements and witness statements.
• Deadlines and Diaries: Ensure all Court deadlines are diarised, and that appointments at courts, tribunals, interviews, routine directions, client and Counsel meetings and conferences are attended. Moderation of, and note taking at, meetings and calls with clients and external professionals.
• Accounts and Billing: Maintain up-to-date time recording on all matters. Undertake accounts duties and billing as required, and understand the Solicitors Accounts Rules.
• Business Development: Understand the commercial aspect of the role. Take part in networking events, and write blog articles to be published on the Gherson's website.
• Professionalism: Deputise for other members of the team in their absence, passing urgent and complex issues to senior fee earners for guidance. Ensure that all the firm’s procedures are adhered to, including anti-money laundering and KYC compliance, file opening, complaints and accounts procedures.
• Training: Undertake any specific training when required to do so, and fulfil a responsibility of professional self-development.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be a skilled paralegal of several years’ experience, with demonstrable experience in using the CE-File system and the preparation of Court forms/Orders. You will be a high-energy, can-do individual with excellent organisational and communication skills. You must be a strong team player, able to work across several disciplines and with a variety of stakeholders.