Paralegal (Commercial Litigation)

About the role

The Role
Forbes Solicitors LLP are seeking a Paralegal to join our Commercial Litigation team at Gordon House Office. This role is full time, working hours per week, Monday to Friday, with the possibility of hybrid working.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective and efficient support to Advisors through chargeable (legal based) work that contributes to the delivery and completion of services for clients (e.g. obtaining and reviewing evidence and statements, taking witness statements, preparing for court, collation of legal bundles).
• Ensure timely and efficient day-to-day progress of matters under supervision, prioritising work, monitoring deadlines and actions needed and keeping clients informed.
• Co-ordinate taking new enquiries into the firm for the commercial litigation team including answering phone enquiries from prospect clients and reception as well as email enquiries regarding potential new matters.
• To establish who the parties are, what the case is about, value, urgency, and ability of the prospect client to pay our fees. To keep a track of all new enquiries each month and ensure they are followed up promptly and documented.
• Drafting and preparing legal documents that require further knowledge, consideration and input based on analysis and understanding of information gathered.
• Conduct thorough, accurate, and up-to-date legal research which supports the matter strategy.
• Provide well informed legal advice, under the supervision of a qualified legal professional, that resolves queries and advances clients’ instructions and cases.
• Assess and understand client queries and file notes to identify actions and advice required and manage and guide the progression of a client file.
• Attend external meetings and events including but not limited to hearings, court appearances, client meetings and networking events.
• Where applicable, assist in preparing for court proceedings and hearings, ensuring all necessary documentation and evidence are in place.
• Handling own files under close solicitor-supervision.
• Maintain accurate records in the case management system, ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational standards.
• Communicate regularly with clients and stakeholders, answering queries, managing expectations (including costs), providing updates and effectively chasing responses required and escalating appropriately.
• Perform administrative duties, including; writing articles and reports for internal and external publication, filing, billing, and organising matter files, to ensure smooth operational workflow.
• Stay updated on legal trends and participate in ongoing training to enhance skills and contribute to the firm's overall success.
• Drafting articles for the website and LinkedIn each month for the team.
• Taking on the responsibility for a billing target and to contribute to the team’s financial objectives.

Requirements

• Experience of working within a law firm and has an evidenced intention to enter the legal profession.
• Demonstrates knowledge and awareness of commercial litigation and the civil court system.
• Demonstrates good attention to detail, including proof-reading and editing skills to ensure accuracy and quality of legal documents.
• Demonstrates the ability to prioritise tasks, manage time effectively, and coordinate multiple activities simultaneously to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrates excellent IT skills and the ability to use multiple platforms such as word, excel, outlook and other case management systems/databases.
• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients, colleagues, and external parties.
• Team focussed approach and desire to assist the team meet its objectives.
• Effective communication with the team, ability to manage deadlines and assist in the progression of cases.
• Aligns with the Firm’s values.

Qualifications

• Law A Level, Law Degree or other legal level 6 qualifications such as CILEX.
• Previous paralegal / legal assistant experience.
• Previous experience working within commercial litigation and has a developed understanding of litigation processes.
• Familiarity with legal processes, terminology, and the operation of law firms.
• Willingness to attend business development events representing the team.
• Experience using legal case management systems (e.g., PfW) to support the delivery of services.

Desirable

• Previous experience working on litigation files previously in the law firm context.
• Clear understanding of the core stages of a civil litigation case at Court from pre-action to Trial.
• Experience using legal case management systems (e.g., PfW) to support the delivery of services.