Paralegal - Private client

Whilst the Paralegal will take instruction from the Head of Department, the work they may be required to undertake is quite often very similar to that undertaken by the Solicitors within the department. Their duties involve them working closely with Solicitors and Barristers and may take them from office to courtroom, from clients to conferences, from the law library to the negotiating table.

The key purpose of the job holder's role is to provide expert legal support and advice to clients. To ensure that business transactions are compliant with the SRA code of practice and are performed in a professional and responsive manner, which will enhance the firm's reputation and is consistent with the high-quality service that RJS is committed to providing.

Main Responsibilities

The actual work undertaken varies depending on previous and ongoing experience gained. This will be reflected in the instruction from your Line Manager. In general, however, the main responsibilities can include:

Ø Meeting and interviewing clients to establish the firm's suitability to provide the necessary advice and services, based on the firm's specialism and likely cost

Ø Take client's instructions and advising client on the law and legal issues relating to their case

Ø Drafting documents and letters tailored to the client's individual needs

Ø Negotiating with clients and other professionals to secure agreed objectives

Ø Researching and analysing documents and case law to ensure advice and procedure accuracy

Ø Supervising the implementation of agreements and coordinating the work of all parties involved

Ø Corresponding with clients, other professional advisors and opposing solicitors

Ø Arranging and attending necessary client meetings to progress the case and finalise documentation

Ø Checking all documentation prior to signing and implementing

Ø Take referrals from clients and pass to the appropriate departmental heads within the firm

Ø Accepting referrals from other firms of solicitors and other professional advisors

Ø Supervising and delegating work to legal secretaries as appropriate

Ø Calculating claims for damages, compensation, maintenance, etc

Ø Keep up to date with changes and developments in the law by reading journals and law reports

Ø Administrative duties, e.g. completing time sheets so that charges for work can be calculated and billing clients for work done on their behalf and diary management

Ø Attending meetings and negotiations with opposing parties

Ø Working in a team, sometimes referring cases to the Head of Department

Ø Acting on behalf of clients in disputes and representing them in court, if necessary

Ø instructing barristers or specialist advocates to appear in court for the client in complex disputes

Ø Preparing papers for court

Ø Maintaining client confidentiality and delivering a high standard of client care

Ø Regularly reflect, identify and record learning needs with Head of Department

Ø Assisting the Head of Department, Solicitors and trainees as appropriate

Ø Assisting Solicitors with the preparation of wills, trusts and lasting powers of attorney

Ø Handling probate and estate administration matters

Ø Conduct legal research and drafting legal documents

Ø Liaising with clients, beneficiaries and other third parties

Ø Managing case files ad ensuring all documentation is accurately files up to date

Ø Make a positive contribution towards departmental business growth

Ø Supporting all colleagues