Harcus Sinclair

Litigation Paralegal Job Description

Harcus Sinclair is a small specialist firm of solicitors advising private individuals on family law, trust and tax law and related litigation. We have8 partners, 26fee earners and 9 secretarial and administrative staff. We are currently recruiting for paralegals to assist the litigation team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a niche practice and to work with partners who are recognised as leaders in their chosen field. This role is for a fixed term period of six months but may be extended by mutual agreement.

We are looking for enthusiasticand self-motivated paralegalsto assist with one, possibly more, pieces of litigation derived from failed tax schemes. It is fundamental that the candidate can demonstrate and provide flexibility and initiative both in their working hours and in their supporting role to their team and the practice.

The role will include,

  • Preparing witness and trial bundles to include identifying documents to be included, bulk printing and copying, indexing, file preparation and collation.
  • Helping to prepare for court hearings, trials, mediation and conferences.
  • Legal research using internal resources and external legal databases.
  • Document management including scanning, redacting, indexing, paginating, creating spines and covers and archiving.
  • Reviewing and proofreading documents.
  • Liaising with court and outdoor clerk duties.
  • Case administration including data entry on excel spreadsheets and file management.
  • Carrying out searches.
  • Other incidental duties that may be required of you from time to time by the partners and practice manager of the firm in relation to the administration of the office. This may include helping with preparing the office for drinks receptions, answering the phone, updating loose leaf subscriptions, arranging meetings and general “dogsbody” jobs (!).

The successful candidate will ideally have the following skills and qualifications.

  • A degree (in any subject), minimum class 2:1.
  • Possibly GDL and Legal Practice Course.
  • Previous paralegal experience or office administration experience.
  • IT skills to include Word and Outlook. Competence with excel is crucial for this role.
  • Excellent communication skills and confidence when dealing with clients and colleagues
  • Attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills.
  • Strong organisational skills
  • An appreciation of deadlines and a calm approach to working under pressure.
  • A genuine interest in law and practice.
  • A pro active approach to work and ability to show initiative in problem solving.
  • An intelligent and clear thinking approach to work.
  • The ability to prioritise work and respond quickly in dealing with urgent requests.
  • An excellent telephone manner in dealing with clients and professional contacts.
  • A team playerwith a “can do” attitude.
  • Self motivated with the ability to work on own initiative without close supervision.
  • Common sense!

General

Startdate

The start date for this role is the beginning of October 2013. Interviews are taking place week commencing 23 September 2013.

Hours and placeof work

We are based at Lincoln’s Inn Fields close to Holborn tube station. Working hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with one hour off for lunch. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. although there are often staff on site outside these hours.

Salary and bonus

Staff are paid monthly on the 27th of each month or the nearest working day prior to that if the 27th falls on a weekend or bank holiday. The salary for this role is £27,000.00

Holiday Entitlement

Annual holiday entitlement is 25 days per year which equates to 2.08 days per complete month of employment.

Appraisals

We hold formal appraisals for permanent employees annually. Employees on shorter term contracts will also be invited to an appraisal prior to their contract end date. These are an opportunity to review progress and set goals. We recognise however that ongoing informal appraisals are important and we welcome any comments staff may have relevant to the work and the work environment. Contract extensions will depend on work levels and the feedback from the appraisal process.

IT

We use Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and iManage document management software with Bighand digital dictation.

To apply

If you would like to apply for this role please email your CVwith a covering letterexplaining your suitability for thepostto . Application closing date is 30 September 2013.

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