Paralegal

Shepherd and Wedderburn are currently recruiting for a Paralegal to join their team based in Edinburgh. The successful candidate will join as a Paralegal in our Property and Infrastructure division, supporting the Glasgow Property team with conveyancing/plot sales matters, taking responsibility for a number of cases independently and in cooperation with other team members. The successful candidate will:

• work in support of a practising solicitor in delivering legal advice and service to clients;
• work according to general competencies which apply to all paralegals irrespective of practice area, and competencies specific to their own area of practice;
• adhere to a code of conduct aligned with the solicitors\’ code of conduct.

We can support the successful candidate through paralegal exams.

The role

The main duties of the role will include:

• To negotiate and conclude missives, including reporting to and taking instructions from client;
• To progress and complete plot sales transactions, as required;
• To compile title packs and on-line data rooms for developments/sites;
• To assist in preparation of pro-forma documentation for each development/site;
• To prepare letters of non-crystallisation and deeds of restriction for the lender consent process;
• To assist in the process of buying in and selling on part-exchange properties;
• To examine title for part-exchange properties and report to client;
• To prepare and submit LBTT returns for part exchange properties;
• To prepare and submit applications for registration.

In addition, the paralegal will be expected to assist with the following administrative tasks:

• To order property searches, legal reports and charges searches;
• To establish and maintain datarooms;
• To undertake general file management and organisation;
• To deal with completion arrangements for plot sales;
• To undertake relevant post completion activities;
• To diarise and following up on post-completion actions ;
• To prepare bills including (where required) WIP narrative reports;

Candidate Profile

• Knowledge, understanding and experience in advising on commercial conveyancing in Scotland;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Good IT skills and knowledge of office systems and procedures and file management;
• Efficient time recording and effective use of case management systems;
• Experience of research, interviewing, writing, drafting or negotiation (as required);
• Ability to work to agreed priorities on an autonomous basis subject to supervision by a qualified lawyer;
• Willingness to attend client meetings and interact with clients in positive manner;
• Proactive and professional approach to role and a strong team player;
• Ability to work under pressure and to deliver to tight deadlines;
• Attention to detail and ability to produce work that is accurate;
• Ability to prioritise workload and demonstrate flexibility when required;
• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships both externally and internally across the firm;
• Meet CPD requirements and attend relevant training seminars both inhouse and externally;

Attend networking events and undertake business development, where appropriate

Other information

HR Contact

If you would like further information on the role or require accommodations to make your application please contact marc.mcrae@shepwedd.com

At Shepherd and Wedderburn we strive to provide a supportive, inclusive and high performance working environment, where everyone feels they belong. Diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our business and we therefore welcome applicants from different backgrounds to all levels of the organisation. To foster inclusivity we particularly encourage applications from those who may be from underrepresented groups, including candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, people with disabilities or who are neurodivergent and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

GDPR

Shepherd and Wedderburn is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information that we collect as a “data controller”. The information provided by you will be processed in accordance with our GDPR Privacy Notice for Applicants and Work Experience Students. If you are successful in obtaining paid employment with us, we will hold your information in accordance with our Privacy Notice and Data Retention Policy for Personnel, which will be provided to you at the relevant time.

We will process the information you provide solely for the purpose of evaluating your application for employment. The information will be disclosed to the interview panel (if relevant), your line manager (if appointed), and Human Resources staff members. We may contact any references provided for the purposes of discussing your application, and will ask your permission before doing so.

If you provide any information deemed to be “special category” information under the General Data Protection Regulation, we may use this as follows:

• We will use information about your disability status to provide appropriate adjustments to the interview process.
• We will use any information provided in our diversity monitoring form about your race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender identity, gender expression, social mobility background, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, any disability information, age, and marital/civil partnership status to ensure meaningful equal opportunity monitoring and reporting. Any analysis of this data will be done on an anonymous basis.

Should your application be unsuccessful, the information provided will be deleted within 1 year of a decision not to progress your application.