Paralegal - International & UK Group Litigation - Leigh Day

Application deadline: 27th October 2024, midnight:

About Leigh Day
We are a top 100 law firm committed to claimant-only cases, ensuring that individuals have the same access to justice as the UK Government and large corporations. We’re not afraid to take on difficult and challenging cases involving medical negligence, serious personal injuries, discrimination in the workplace, defective products and human rights abuses in this country and overseas.

About the role
We have an opportunity for a paralegal to join the team to support our claimants and lawyers with our international group claims. The  role will primarily involve supporting the team’s emissions cases, as well as the team’s international  cases. The successful candidate will assist with all aspects of litigation, including liaising with clients, and provide administrative support to the team.

The role may involve overseas travel. Consequently, you must be comfortable undertaking international travel.

Overall purpose for this role

• To provide a reliable and efficient support service for clients and assist with general administration of group claims;
• To assist the firm in achieving its stated professional and commercial objectives;
• To undertake a wide variety of paralegal and administrative tasks as set out below. 

Main duties and responsibilities

Case Management

• To effectively manage group claims and ensure that accurate information and instructions are obtained from clients, that accurate records are maintained and that all files are kept up to date.
• Assist with drafting documents, client liaison including interviewing clients and taking instructions, preparation of witness statements, research work, assist with negotiations and provide general administrative support. 
• Conduct legal and factual research and prepare research notes.
• Assist the solicitor/ team in all aspects of litigation including preparation of correspondence/ documents, dealing with funding issues, preparing for court hearings / trial / settlement, instruction of experts, disclosure review, quantification of claims, costs assessment/ negotiations
• To monitor all aspects of the case on behalf of the client and advise on whether subsequent developments affect views previously expressed.
• To pay attention to detail and ensure accuracy of work.
• Supporting the research and development of new areas of practice for the firm.
• In the absence of supervising fee-earner, ensure that urgent matters are referred to appropriate personnel. 
• To ensure that all work is conducted in compliance with SRA rules and the Civil Procedure Rules.

Travel

• The role may require some overseas travel as and when necessary in order to perform the various roles identified above. 
• Assisting with organisation of overseas trips and with logistics relating to trips

Client/ 3rd party management

• Communicate with clients/ other parties as and when necessary in a professional, courteous and efficient manner;
• Monitor aspects of the case on behalf of the client and advise on whether subsequent developments affect views previously expressed.
• Ensure documents and copies of correspondence are kept up to date and filed;
• Ensure accuracy when updating client information on the relevant databases;
• Ensure database information is updated and maintained in accordance with instructions and in line with relevant processes;
• Open new files and close old files as required.
• Genuine interest in working with a leading claimant law firm and passionate about providing access to justice to all; 
• Ability to manage own workload in a busy environment to a consistently high standard and timely manner;
• Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to client care;
• Proven ability to communicate accurately, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing with a wide range of clients and various stakeholders;
• Experience in interviewing and liaising with clients and taking witness statements, dealing with clients sensitively and managing difficult conversations;
• Proven ability to work and contribute in a team environment; 
• Good academic background with legal qualifications (Degree, GDL, LPC etc.);
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office, with experience of Practice / Case Management Systems and electronic disclosure review platforms.
• Ability to work well under pressure.

Document/ Data management

• Ensure documents and copies of correspondence are kept up to date and filed;
• Ensure accuracy when updating client information on the relevant databases;
• Ensure database information is updated and maintained in accordance with instructions and in line with relevant processes;
• Open new files and close old files as required.
  Any other tasks as might from time to time be required.

Person specification        

• Genuine interest in working with a leading claimant law firm and passionate about providing access to justice to all; 
• Ability to manage own workload in a busy environment to a consistently high standard and timely manner;
• Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to client care;
• Proven ability to communicate accurately, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing with a wide range of clients and various stakeholders;
• Experience in interviewing and liaising with clients and taking witness statements, dealing with clients sensitively and managing difficult conversations;
• Proven ability to work and contribute in a team environment; 
• Good academic background with legal qualifications (Degree, GDL, LPC etc.);
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office, with experience of Practice / Case Management Systems and electronic disclosure review platforms.
• Ability to work well under pressure.

Desirable

• Experience in or knowledge of any of these areas will be an added advantage: consumer law, human rights, group claims/class actions, automotive engineering 

Employee benefits

· Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home for a full-time worker)
· 29 days annual leave (excluding public holidays)
· Enhanced pension contributions
· Life assurance 4 x salary
· Healthcare cash plan
· Subsidised gym/ sports team membership up to 50% off
· Cycle to work scheme
· BUPA Private Health Insurance
· Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
· Free breakfasts & lunch every day.