Paralegal

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

The role will contribute to maximising departmental profitability whilst maintaining client care standards, by supporting solicitors with tasks of an administrative and legal nature.

We are looking for candidates with a keen interest in personal Injury and clinical negligence.

Tasks will include:

* Ensure the confidentiality and security of all Firm and client documentation and/or information

* 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

* 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

* 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

* 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:

* This is an office-based role, and the successful candidate must be able to commute to Watford Junction, Hertfordshire on a daily basis

* A degree in Law at grade 2.1 or above required

* Excellent organisational and multitasking skills

* Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well in a team

* A keen attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure

* Experience working with legal documentation is required

* Proficiency in MS Office

* Previous experience as a Paralegal, Legal Secretary or Legal Assistant

* Previous experience running a case file is desirable, but not essential

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

Strictly No Agencies Please
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed