At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a dynamic team in resolving commercial disputes and liaise with clients.
- Company: Join Shakespeare Martineau, a forward-thinking law firm that values diversity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant culture that embraces individuality and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in commercial litigation while growing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm, strong communication skills, and a desire to learn are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
It is the people at Shakespeare Martineau that make us so special. By understanding what our people want, giving them the support they need, recognising everyone’s contribution and realising the unique power of teams; together we win. As a firm we are focused on proactively building and developing diverse teams, bringing different backgrounds, personalities and perspectives together. We play to our strengths, pushing ourselves to be consistently better than yesterday and deliver amazing solutions for our clients. We empower our teams with a high degree of individual responsibility; we self-manage and encourage everyone to be responsible for their own learning, knowing it makes us even better at what we do!
Our Commercial Litigation team is a high performing team with members based in Birmingham, London, Nottingham, Leicester and Lincoln. The team includes specialists in a variety of areas, such as energy, education, corporate disputes, image protection and international disputes. We currently have a vacancy for a paralegal in the East Midlands. This will be mainly based in the Nottingham and Leicester offices.
The role involves assisting the partners and solicitors specialising in resolving disputes in a variety of areas. You will have lots of contact with clients, opponents and the court and be part of a friendly, fun and collaborative team who will support you to develop and grow your own profile.
What you will be doing:
- Working with PLCs, limited companies and individuals on a wide variety of cases involving breach of contract, negligence, corporate disputes, insolvency disputes, defamation and procurement disputes.
- Working closely with other members of the commercial litigation teams across the firm that has a depth and breadth of experience and expertise across most industry sectors.
- Helping to build and grow the commercial litigation offering in the East Midlands.
- Assisting on a range of projects.
- Liaising with clients in a professional manner.
- Working to strict deadlines.
- Helping to support the training initiatives run by the team.
What you will need:
- Enthusiasm and be a hardworking paralegal.
- A solid ability to prioritise workload and cope with changing demands.
- Confident interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with repeat clients and as a team.
- The ability to support partners on urgent matters.
- Good technical knowledge.
- An interest in being involved in marketing activities including attending networking events and you will have the opportunity to write articles for professional journals.
Key competencies you will need:
- The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- A high degree of initiative and the ability to cope in a demanding environment.
- Excellent organisational and prioritising skills.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport with colleagues and clients alike.
- The ability to develop the knowledge and expertise of the team, as well as yourself.
Benefits, Agile Working and Additional information:
We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work. We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it.
Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
Paralegal - Commercial Litigation employer: Shakespeare Martineau
Join a forward-thinking and supportive firm that values your contributions and fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect. As a Paralegal in our Trusts and Estates Disputes team, you'll benefit from hands-on experience in a dynamic legal environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development alongside industry leaders. Our hybrid working model across locations like Bristol, Nottingham, and Stratford upon Avon ensures flexibility, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - Commercial Litigation
✨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.
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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 Shakespeare Martineau, 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 Paralegal - Commercial Litigation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Shakespeare Martineau, 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 Shakespeare Martineau and the specific role of Paralegal - Commercial Litigation. 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 Shakespeare Martineau’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shakespeare Martineau
✨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 Shakespeare Martineau.
✨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 Shakespeare Martineau.