Paralegal

Start date: Immediate/ASAP

Collins Solicitors is an award winning, multi-service solicitors firm based in Central Watford. We are seeking a confident Paralegal to join us in an initial temporary, full-time, office based role.

The role will contribute to maximising departmental profitability whilst maintaining client care standards, by supporting solicitors with tasks of an administrative and legal nature that will free their time up and allow them to concentrate on business development and fee earning duties.

We are looking for candidates with previous experience as a Paralegal, Legal Secretary or Legal Assistant.

Tasks will include:

• Ensure the confidentiality and security of all Firm and client documentation and/or information
• Ensure that the client is regularly updated as to the current situation of the client’s matter
• Greet clients in a professional and pleasant manner and to ensure that they are accompanied at all times whilst on the premises
• Issue the client care documents at the relevant time
• Ensure that continuing contact is maintained with the client even if a matter is going through a period of inactivity for a perfectly justified reason
• Deal with routine and difficult enquiries from telephone callers and clients effectively and efficiently and to ensure that all clients complaints are dealt with professionally and promptly at all times and in accordance with the Office complaints procedure
• Deal with all new enquiries thoroughly, efficiently and in a timely manner
• Conduct legal research effectively and comprehensively
• Provide advocacy when required for Fee Earners with the agreement of the Senior Partner
• Maintain clear and precise communications between yourself and other members of staff at all times
• Ensure all stock, equipment and machinery used is maintained in a safe and secure manner and any faults reported immediately
• Understand the obligations relating to client accounts and ensure that preparation and service of bills comply with Solicitors Accounts Rules. To take all necessary steps as directed from time to time by any relevant partner to follow the procedures of the firm for payment for work undertaken and to press for payment of any outstanding relevant accounts.
• Responsible for ensuring that client and matter in-put documents are completed in line with procedures laid down
• Maintain files in a neat and orderly state and to ensure that each file is reviewed at least once in every two-month period unless there is a valid reason marked on the file for not so doing.
• Take positive steps to ensure that existing and potential clients are aware of the various types of legal work carried on by the firm
• Ensure that care is taken to ensure good working relationships with external institutions and organisations and ensure that they are properly maintained whilst still following the correct code of professional conduct
• Maintain time recording on clients matters on a daily basis in accordance with the firm’s procedures
• Adhere to the Law Society’s client care directive and to the firm’s own policies as set out in the Brochures of this firm. In particular to ensure knowledge of and compliance with:

1. all relevant aspects of the SRA’s Code of Conduct for Solicitors;
2. the Lexcel Standard;
3. the Office Manuals and other instruction books published by the partners from time to time

• Attend any training courses required by the Law Society, SRA or deemed necessary by the Firm to successfully perform your duties as a Paralegal
• To be familiar with the SRA’s written standards for Training Contracts and to implement the same in daily practice. Where opportunity has not presented itself to practice those standards then to inform the Supervisor of it at the next appraisal
• To be on the Reception Duty Rota during times when the receptionist is on lunch or annual leave, ensuring all incoming calls are answered promptly and directed accurately and visitors are greeted in a professional and pleasant manner
• On occasions, travel to clients with another fee earner
• Cover administration in the absence of Legal Secretaries
• Undertake any other duties which from time to time may be allocated by Management

Experience required:

• A degree in Law at grade 2.1 or above required
• Previous experience as a Paralegal, Legal Secretary or Legal Assistant is essential
• Experience working with legal documentation is required
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Previous experience running a case file is desirable, but not essential
• A keen attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well in a team

Our standard business hours are Mon – Fri 9.15-17.30.

Applications

Please attach your CV together with a covering letter and apply below. Applications will be reviewed as they come in, so apply now to be considered for this Paralegal position.

For more information on our company please visit www.collinslaw.co.uk

Collins Solicitors is a signatory of the Law Society's Diversity and Inclusion Charter.

Strictly No Agencies