Paralegal, Lending, Guildford

TWM Solicitors is searching for a Paralegal to provide direct support to their fee earner(s) enabling them to operate at optimum efficiency.

TWM Solicitors is one of the largest legal practices in Surrey, and a leading law firm in the Southeast,with a strong history and heritage. Our specialist teams undertake the full spectrum of legal work, providing quality, practical and cost-effective solutions to individuals, businesses and other organisations. Central to our approach is a commitment to delivering the highest level of client service, working collaboratively across teams and delivering a progressive and modern approach to problem solving. The firm has been independently recognised for excellence by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

With an emphasis on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace and excellent work life enrichment, TWM genuinely cares about its people, their learning and development and career progression.

Purpose of the department

Our focus is on providing outstanding client service, through expert, clear advice and assistance with Lending matters, delivered in a professional and engaged way that leads to high levels of client satisfaction. We work together at all levels of our team to create a supportive and pro-active environment to achieve this.

Role overview

The prime role of the Paralegal is to provide direct support to their fee earner(s) to enable them to operate at optimum efficiency. This will include but will not be limited to the main responsibilities given below. The jobholder is expected to use a degree of self-management and initiative.

How you will make an impact

Key tasks, duties and quality standards:

• Where appropriate, records any time and is beginning to understand the billing/financial requirements of each department/the firm.
• Assists the Lending department generally as and when required.
• Prepares correspondence and documents (which may include transcribing digital dictation).
• Administers filing which will include daily filing and the opening, closing, storage and retrieval of client files in accordance with the detailed procedures contained in the office manual.
• Prepares mail and enclosures for despatch by post/email or fax.
• Arranges for all copying to be done, in person if an Office Assistant is not available to undertake the task.
• If appropriate, makes appointments, arranges meetings and maintains an up-to-date diary for their fee earner.
• If appropriate, prepares the conference rooms for meetings as necessary, tidying and clearing the room at the end of the meeting and providing refreshments when asked to do so.
• Attends to clients and agents both in person and on the telephone and provides such support in a professional and friendly manner in keeping with the firm’s standards for client care: including updating clients and agents; chasing clients, other side and organisations for information.
• Prepares completion statements and assist with post exchange and pre completion formalities.
• Undertakes on-line form filling requirements including SDLT forms.
• Prepares and submits Land Registry forms (AP1, UN1, RX1 etc.).
• Obtains information from local authorities and other organisations.
• Deals with registration and all post completion formalities.
• Demonstrates a willingness to be involved in matters outside of normal work, such as marketing.
• To ensure the confidentiality of all the firm’s and clients’ documentation and information.
• To operate the firm’s case management system.
• To maintain or improve on the current standards of document presentation.
• To consider improvements to the general administrative efficiency of the department.
• Is involved in department and operational improvements, including know-how, tech and innovation.
• Is involved in providing internal and external training and presentations to clients and staff
• Undertakes specific training when required and overall to have a responsibility towards self-development.

Other

• Act in accordance with TWM Solicitors’ core values (TWM Cares ) at all times.

This role will be based at our Guildford office, with travel to other office locations as required.

To be successful in this role, we are seeking the following:

Qualifications

Within TWM, there are three recognised routes in terms of qualifying as a Paralegal as follows:

• Institute of Paralegals qualifying route: You will be an Associate and have completed Level 3 of studies which requires a minimum of 1 year’s practical legal experience (which TWM required to be is in the specialist area of law in which you are practising. (In total this route will require 3 years of study to achieve Qualified Paralegal status) OR
• CLT Specialist Paralegal Course route: You will be completing your one year course and, at the same time, gaining another year of practical legal experience in the specialist area of law in which you are practising OR
• Graduate route: As a Paralegal TWM requires you to be a law Graduate with some relevant experience within the specialist areas of law in which you are practising.

Essential personal qualities, skills and abilities

• Legal background with some experience in Lending/Property
• Good IT skills in relevant packages
• Keeps up with Fee Earner’s work production
• Very good accuracy levels
• Demonstrates a positive attitude.
• Communicates professionally with clients, agents and others involved in the conveyancing process, both on the ‘phone and personally.
• Provides good customer care, responsiveness and attention to client service.
• Provides good levels of initiative and willingness to take on responsibility.
• Demonstrates a pro-active approach to work and clients.
• Demonstrates ability and willingness to:

– work to deadlines

– to cope under pressure

– work as part of a team

• Demonstrates clear commitment to the firm and a genuine interest in legal work.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of, and alignment with, the values of the firm.
• Demonstrates a high level of courtesy and respect in dealing with clients, colleagues and key business introducers.

Desirable knowledge, skills and competencies

• Prior knowledge of Practice Evolve or other case management systems.
• Knowledge of law/legal practice.

Our benefits and rewards

As well as offering you a competitive salary, at TWM you will also benefit from:

• Annual salary review.
• Death in Service benefit of 4 x salary.
• Interest free season ticket loan.
• Paid professional memberships.
• Long service rewards.

Health and Wellbeing

At TWM we enjoy coming to work, not just to be with our colleagues, but also because we feel supported even through difficult times. You will receive:

• Private medical cover.
• Life Assurance of 4 x salary.
• Company sick pay.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health and Wellbeing initiatives.

Yes, we enjoy coming to work and it’s even better if we can fit our work around the demands of everyday life, so we are keen to provide the following:

• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, shared parental leave and adoption benefits.

Learning and Development

TWM is only as good as its people and we want you to be the best you can be, so we will help you to develop and grow with the company by offering:

TWM Solicitors (www.twmsolicitors.com) is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

No agencies please

Related services

Law firms are required by our regulators, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), to collect and report workforce diversity data annually.

TWM genuinely cares about our people, and we will continue to find ways to improve their wellbeing and happiness, and our clients, ensuring they achieve the best outcome.