Paralegal – Commercial Dispute Resolution in Manchester

Job role: Paralegal

Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:30 (37.5 hours per week)

At Hill Dickinson, flexibility is an established part of our culture. Our commitment to supporting colleagues to balance their work and home lives has previously been awarded. We are happy to consider flexible working opportunities and welcome conversations about individual requirements throughout the recruitment process.

Team: Commercial Dispute Resolution

Location: Manchester

Role overview

Introduction to the role:

We are looking for a Paralegal to join our established and very highly regarded Commercial Dispute Resolution Team in Manchester. There would be a focus on the Finance Litigation team.

Introduction to the team:

The National Commercial Dispute Resolution team, headed up by Nina Ferris, comprises of 9 Partners, 2 Consultants, 6 Legal Directors, 8 Senior Associates, 9 Associates, 4 Paralegals, 4 Trainees and 4 Secretaries/PA, covering a wide breadth of commercial litigation and arbitration work.

There is an acute need for further resource in the Finance Litigation team, which predominantly act for annuity financial services clients (banks, asst finance providers and invoice and finance discounting). These clients require quick turnaround times on repeat services, such as issuing letters of claim, precedent Particulars of Claim, enforcement of judgments etc. There is also a need under the service level agreements for monthly reporting and billing procedures.

The CDR have a broad range of experience across both general Commercial dispute work and various individuals in the team also carry out more specialist work, including in relation to financial services, tech and IP disputes. We have monthly team meetings, annual and ad hoc social events, training and BD related planning activities

Key responsibilities:

• Assisting with monthly billing and client MI reporting;
• Organise and maintain case files, ensuring accurate document management in line with firm protocols and court requirements
• Draft letters of claim, claim forms and particulars of claim, directions questionnaires, judgment enforcement (charging orders, writs of possession, insolvency procedures
• Preparation of hearing bundles
• Pulling together exhibits for pleadings and witness statements
• Assist with preparing disclosure reports
• Assist in coordinating instructions to counsel and experts
• Record time accurately and assist with billing processes where appropriate
• Support matter administration, including conflict checks, file opening and compliance requirements

What are we looking for:

Important criteria:

• A real interest in and enthusiasm for Commercial Litigation
• Previous litigation experience

• Demonstrates understanding of client needs/expectations
• The ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• The ability to adhere to Civil Procedure Rules; court directions; service level requirements
• The ability to develop client relationships
• The ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Excellent case management and task diary

• Time management skills

• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent service delivery

If you don't meet all of the criteria above but feel that you could add real value to Hill Dickinson, we encourage you to apply and if successful, we can help you develop along the way.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Hill Dickinson is committed to providing fairness and equal opportunity for all regardless of age, gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, nationality, religion or belief.

We understand that our power as a firm comes from empowering our people and that it is only by encouraging and enabling individuals to be themselves at work that we can truly benefit from their rich and varied strengths.

Hill Dickinson is an equal opportunities employer. All applications received by the firm will be considered based on their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background and from all routes to qualification, with both the SRA and CILEx.

Disability Support

We are a Disability Confident employer, which means if there is anything that we can do to make your visit easier, so you are able to perform at your best, please let us know. You can contact the HR team at hrteam@hilldickinson.com should you require any adjustments to the application or interview process.

At Hill Dickinson, we welcome applications from individuals that are looking to return to the law as well as all routes to qualification, with both the SRA and CILEx.

All successful candidates will be subject to our standard pre-employment screening, including a basic criminal record check via Disclosure and Barring Service. Any offer of employment made is conditional upon completion of all checks.

Due to the high response levels we receive for some vacancies, we may expire any of them prior to the advertised closing date and advise you to submit your application as soon as possible.