Paralegal

About the Company

A leading family law firm are looking for a Paralegal, must have experience in conveyancing and property work. This organisation is ideally looking for someone who is wanting to develop their knowledge in the Utilities sector and remain long term in the role, rather than someone who is using the role as a stepping stone to a training contract.

About the Role

To operate as an effective member of the Real Estate Brighton team, assisting with all aspects of commercial property work in relation to our Utilities clients, as well as any related property work generated by the team. Whilst not an exhaustive list, the work might include drafting, negotiating and completing deeds of easements, licences, sub-station leases and transfers, title reviews and dealing with land registry and other title consents. 1.2 To be responsible under supervision for own caseload to include achievement of personal fee targets. 1.3 Achieve the targets as defined by the Group Leader, including achievement of Matter Related (chargeable) hours and fees.

Responsibilities

• Personal
• To participate and contribute to the team to ensure an effective working environment, supporting the Partners, Consultants and other support staff as appropriate.
• Attend the in-house training programme and other relevant technical training to ensure that skills and knowledge remain up-to-date.
• To attend and contribute to group meetings.
• Maintain awareness of the legal market specifically relating to Real Estate.
• Annually participate in AROM / objective meetings, forwarding a copy to HR.
• To maintain a culture where individuals are encouraged to identify problems or mistakes and are encouraged to "speak up" to ensure issues are resolved.

• Legal
• Principal role will involve running own caseload plus supporting fee earners in the team with a range of tasks around property work, including completing forms, drafting basic documents, post exchange and post completion administration, preparation of standard letters and online forms/submissions e.g. Land Registry and HMRC for SDLT purposes.
• Preparing client reports and assisting with billing to include preparation of detailed breakdown and sending the bills to the client.
• Work on other property files as required to provide a range of advice and assistance on property and construction related work.
• Generally, to support the team including the secretaries, to help with group billing and file opening/closing as required.

• Financial
• To be responsible for ensuring achievement of own key financial targets, including fees, contribution and payment of debts and disbursements.
• Maintaining accurate data on i-Manage and related electronic files.
• To monitor own performance in relation to the number of live files, file closures, file openings, billing, time recording and to take appropriate action to ensure targets are met.

• Client Care
• To be responsible for the delivery of the service to the client, ensuring that the highest standards of client care are maintained so that clients use DMHS again and recommend the firm to others.

• Risk
• To be fully familiar with the Money Laundering and FSMA Policies and Procedures and to ensure full compliance with them.
• Conforming to the risk management procedures as stated by the firm.
• Attend regular meetings with the group head or other person nominated to review current work.

Qualifications

Some previous experience of conveyancing and property work is required. It is intended that specialist training will be given to the successful candidate who will want to learn and develop their knowledge within the Utilities sector and so providing the opportunity for a substantive career in this unique practice area.

Required Skills

• Able to effectively manage their time to achieve client and internal deadlines is an essential skill.
• Understanding the importance of client care with an ability to deal with a wide range of clients with differing objectives including being able to understand the commercial objectives of the client.
• Able to work within a team and provide support to other fee-earners as appropriate.
• Confident Excel skills sufficient to enable the reviewing of relevant matters and preparation of completion statements and assisting with preparation of billing and reports for clients.
• Competent IT skills including Outlook, Word, Digital Dictation and Axxia/iManage and Aderant (training will be given).
• Attention to detail.
• Understanding the strategy and vision of the firm.
• Communicate effectively with clients, in writing, over the telephone and in meetings.
• Convey technical legal information in an effective and accessible way.

Pay range and compensation package

Up to 35,000 Plus other benefits.

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.