At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our Construction team with legal research, documentation, and client queries.
- Company: Join Wedlake Bell, a top City law firm known for its collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and wellness initiatives like gym memberships.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent mentorship and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in construction law and work on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Law degree or related qualification; prior experience in construction law is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Wedlake Bell are recruiting a Paralegal to join our highly-regarded Construction team. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract with the expectation of five days in-office per week. The Construction Team at Wedlake Bell has gone from strength to strength in recent years, consistently maintaining high rankings amongst City law firms (Legal 500 Tier 3, Band 4 Chambers and Partners). The team advises at every stage of the construction life cycle, from planning and design through to successful completion, and everything in between. We work with a variety of leading clients across multiple industries (offices, logistics, retail, ports, healthcare, biotech, data centres etc).
Paralegals in the Construction team provide general support to Partners and fee-earners, working on a variety of non-contentious and contentious construction matters. This role provides key support to our contentious construction Partner and will be heavily involved in supporting construction disputes throughout the litigation life cycle, though you will also work on non-contentious construction matters where extra support is needed. This is an excellent opportunity for a law graduate to join a thriving and varied Construction practice, you will gain outstanding experience daily and have excellent mentorship and development opportunities from our close-knit team.
About Us: Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members. Our culture is widely recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team!
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing general paralegal support on a variety of construction matters, including:
- Supporting on construction disputes throughout the litigation life cycle – from the pre‑action process to successful outcome;
- Helping draft and prepare documentation including: pre‑action letters and correspondence, court filing, settlement agreements, etc;
- Supporting on non‑contentious construction matters where appropriate – supporting with due diligence and reporting, drafting collateral warranties and other ancillary documents, collating and organising multiple warranties on projects, creating and collating document packs and preparing contractual documentation, conducting post‑completion administration;
- Undertaking legal research;
- Dealing with routine client and/or third‑party queries and reporting to relevant fee earner with updates where necessary;
- Assisting with the running of the team’s construction helpline, including listening and responding to caller legal queries;
- Assisting with the team’s knowledge management;
- Assisting with the team’s business development initiatives;
- Organising and maintaining accurate files both electronically and hard copy.
Other administrative tasks including diarising and monitoring key dates, facilitating client on‑boarding through drafting engagement letters and corresponding with clients regarding required AML documentation, assisting with preparing, reviewing and sending out bills, etc; and other ad‑hoc responsibilities as required.
Key Skills and Qualifications:
- A relevant legal qualification – holding a degree (or post‑graduate qualification) in law or a related field;
- Ideally some prior work experience, or a demonstrable understanding of construction / real estate law and the disputes process (showcasing dedicated study in these subjects, or work experiences/internships in relevant organisation) – though not essential to be considered;
- Excellent communication skills – must be able to interact and communicate effectively across all levels of seniority and on both an internal and external basis;
- Able to work well under pressure and in keeping with deadlines;
- Must have excellent attention to detail and organisational skills;
- Strong IT capabilities, including a good understanding of modern office software (in particular the Office 365 suite).
Why join us?
- A competitive starting salary;
- A comprehensive pension plan;
- 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
- Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
- Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
- Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
- Enhanced parental leave policies;
- Employee Assistance Programme with face‑to‑face counselling services;
- Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships;
- A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances. If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.
Paralegal - Construction (12 Month FTC) Paralegal · London employer: Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where you can thrive as a Private Client Paralegal. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and mentorship opportunities, alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days of paid holiday and private medical insurance, ensuring our team members feel valued and supported in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - Construction (12 Month FTC) Paralegal · London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know someone at Wedlake Bell. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its construction team. Understand their recent projects and challenges in the industry. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Paralegal in construction. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to join the Wedlake Bell family.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal - Construction (12 Month FTC) Paralegal · London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Paralegal role in Construction. Highlight any relevant experience or coursework that showcases your understanding of construction law and disputes. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for construction law and why you want to join Wedlake Bell. Be genuine and let us know what excites you about this opportunity.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your communication skills and attention to detail in your application. These are key for a Paralegal role, especially when dealing with clients and managing documentation. We love candidates who can demonstrate these abilities!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Wedlake Bell!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wedlake Bell LLP
✨Know Your Construction Law Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key concepts in construction law and the disputes process. Familiarise yourself with common terms and recent case studies that might come up during your chat. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, prepare to demonstrate your ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly. You might be asked to explain a legal issue or how you would handle client queries, so practice articulating your thoughts succinctly.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Think about how you would approach supporting a construction dispute or drafting documentation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Research Wedlake Bell's Culture
Familiarise yourself with Wedlake Bell’s values and culture. They pride themselves on collaboration and mutual respect, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their team dynamic. Mention any relevant experiences that align with their commitment to work/life balance and personal development.
