Paralegal – Medical Negligence – Kirkby Office in Knowsley

Posted February 20

Opportunity Available

Job Role: Paralegal or Newly Qualified Solicitor – Minimum of 3 years’ experience in medical negligence

Salary: up to £30,000 depending on experience

Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm, Monday-Friday.

Location: Kirkby Office, 12 Newtown Gardens L32 8RR

To Apply: Contact Sarah Boynton, Head of HR.

Maxwell Hodge has a supportive and open culture, with Team, Support, Guidance, Resilience and Learning at the heart of everything we do. We prioritise employee wellbeing and foster an environment where people feel valued, included, and happy. We believe people thrive when they feel supported, guided, and inspired and by joining Maxwell Hodge, you will join a team that lifts and celebrates each other and encourages learning. Our aim is to maintain a high performing workforce to provide clients with an excellent client experience to attract clientele, maintain loyalty, and ultimately to achieve business success. If you’re looking to contribute, develop, and feel part of something meaningful, you’ll find your home with us.

We are looking for a Paralegal or NQ Solicitor to join our Medical Negligence Team. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years’ experience in medical negligence. As a fee earner, you will effectively represent the company and provide efficient legal support by interviewing clients, drafting legal documents, and conducting research. The aim is to provide clients with an efficient, quality, and reputable service and to achieve this, you will need an energetic, enthusiastic, proactive, and creative approach to take initiative, solve problems and overcome challenges. This relates to client dealings as well as business development as you will contribute to networking and marketing activities.

Skills, Qualities and Knowledge Required

• Strong typing skills and proficiency in MS Office.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organisational and case management skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, maintain confidentiality, and manage multiple priorities.
• Good research skills to help formulate case strategy.
• Effective time management to meet deadlines and targets.
• Good understanding of legal terminology.
• Good understanding of the company’s marketing and client care strategies and business plans to contribute to achieving company objectives.
• Participation in networking and business development.
• Relationship building to establish and maintain good relationships with stakeholders.
• An empathetic, caring, and friendly approach towards clients and colleagues.
• Good teamwork and cooperation.
• Adaptability to respond positively to change.
• Resilience to overcome challenges and setbacks.
• Ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure.
• An attitude for learning and continuous development.

Key Duties

• Attend upon clients and others in person and by telephone to take instructions.
• Take initial enquiries from clients and prepare summary sheets/initial docs.
• Complete matter and client risk assessments and undertake due diligence and conflict checks throughout the matter.
• Record detailed file/attendance/telephone notes of all communications with clients and third parties.
• Diarise key dates, such as limitation, and keep under review.
• Thoroughly investigate claims including obtaining medical records and reviewing the same for key dates, such as limitation or date of knowledge, as well as other treatment received by the client and establish a timeline of events.
• Undertake initial quantum investigations and prepare a preliminary calculation of financial losses.
• Instruct Counsel/experts and any other third parties as necessary.
• Schedule meetings/appointments/conferences and maintain an up-to-date diary.
• Attend conferences/hearings and prepare notes.
• Prepare documents such as Letters of Claim, Witness Statements, and Instructions to experts and Counsel.
• Perform legal research as and when required to assist with case progression.
• Advise clients and keep them informed throughout their claim.

Salary, Holidays and Benefits

The salary for this role is up to £30,000 depending on experience. Annual holiday entitlement in a full calendar year is 20 days, increasing yearly to 25 days by 5 years’ service. This is in addition to bank holidays and an extra 3 days to be used between Christmas and New Year. Hybrid working considered after 6 months service (fulltime office based to begin with). Paid sick leave, dependant’s leave, and birthday leave. Employer Supported Volunteering (2 working days each year). Health benefit with Medicash, which new starters can join after 6 months’ service. Staff discount on Wills & LPAs and Residential Conveyancing, eligible after 6 months. Staff wellbeing and social events. Different opportunities for reward and recognition including a Bonus Policy, Employee Referral Programme, Employee Recognition, and a Client Care Quarterly Reward. Formal performance review process, including a probation review meeting at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. Annual salary and bonus review in June of each year.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are committed to ensuring our working practices and job roles are inclusive to meet a wide variety of needs. Therefore, should you require any reasonable adjustments or have access requirements, please make us aware when applying for the position so that we can arrange a suitable interview. Successful candidates will be asked about reasonable adjustments for their employment at Maxwell Hodge when they are formally offered the position, so that we can ensure the role meets their requirements.