Job Description

Description

Why Bates Wells?

We're an award winning, purpose driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out.

Our values are key to our success, and you'll be able to make a real impact from day one.

Come and join the firm who have a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we'll never prioritise profit over people and planet.

The role

To thrive in this role, you will be an experienced immigration paralegal. The successful candidate will be confident in assisting and providing a range of legal support and administration to partners, fee earners, and other legal professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Perform legal and factual research, reviewing case facts, identifying relevant laws, and ensuring all pertinent information is considered. Review legal documents. Organise and analyse information, cross-checking and validating details. Prepare written reports and draft legal documents. Prepare correspondence and letters of advice for fee earners' review. Research application processes in the UK and abroad. Check legal forms and documents for accuracy. Organise and track case files. Review and monitor new and updated regulations. Correspond with clients. Proofread legal documents. Prepare application packs and upload supporting documents online. Assess job eligibility for sponsorship under immigration rules to advise corporate clients. Assist in preparing notes and presentations for knowledge or business development events, such as webinars. Help draft blogs and articles for business development. Assist with preparing costs estimates, tracking costs throughout a matter and billing



Support Partners and Solicitors in the management of case loads under supervision:Assist with all aspects of cases and ad hoc duties for any given matter. Advance transactions in the best interests of the client. Maintain professionalism and adhere to the highest standards of the profession. Carry out duties assigned by partners or colleagues diligently and follow all reasonable instructions. Treat all firm and client information as strictly confidential.
Client care and support:Assist in providing high-quality legal service and maintain strong client relationships. Manage client expectations regarding deadlines, costs, and timing. Ensure timely handling of matters.
Written communication and drafting:Produce legally accurate letters of advice to clients under supervision. Correspond with clients daily via email. Circulate internal legal updates to fee earners. Produce accurate attendance notes documenting calls/meetings. Report on research results. Create and update legal precedents for the Immigration Department. Prepare applications for the Home Office, including appeal grounds and legal precedents for internal use. Prepare first drafts of application forms, advice, and conduct legal research for fee earners.
Verbal communication:Communicate daily with clients, including senior officials and high-profile clients, under supervision. Handle telephone inquiries from prospective clients and assist with the new client callback rota. Take instructions from fee earners. Communicate findings and issues to team members following research.
Interviewing and advising:Record attendance notes in client meetings. Complete follow-up work from meetings as instructed. Take initial instructions from clients via phone/email, analyse facts, and record client objectives clearly for fee earners. Research and report to fee earners on methods to achieve client objectives, considering law, priorities, commercial practicalities, and timing, then communicate results to the client.
Research:Research immigration case law, legislation, Home Office, and overseas procedures using legal databases, primary sources, and consulate/embassy websites. Apply complex legal issues to client concerns, reporting to fee earners on methods to achieve client objectives, considering law, priorities, practicalities, and timing, resulting in detailed advice for colleagues to pass to clients.
Development:Participate in team meetings. Attend required internal and external training. Stay updated on legal developments to maintain work standards.

About You

You will be an experienced immigration paralegal, confident in providing comprehensive legal support and administration to partners, fee earners, and other legal professionals.



About the Immigration Team
The immigration department handles all aspects of immigration and nationality law and is ranked as leaders in the legal directories. The team boasts a wealth of experience, providing bespoke solutions for a full range of business immigration matters as well as advising multinational corporations, businesses, charities and other non-profit organisations as well as individuals and families.

Benefits

Impact-Driven Purpose:

We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.

Committed to the Climate:

Through our Climate & Nature Group, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.

Championing Inclusion:

We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.

Flexible and Hybrid Working:

Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.

Progressive Benefits:

We offer sustainable pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.




At Bates Wells, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose-driven law firm, we're committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and representative of all.

About Bates Wells

At Bates Wells, we're not the average law firm. We believe that actions speak louder than words. We strive to do the right thing as a business and to help our clients make a positive impact on their people and society.

Recruitment at Bates Wells - The use of AI

At Bates Wells, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our recruitment processes. We understand the importance of ensuring that our methods align with best practices and respect the privacy and rights of all candidates.

We would like to clarify that we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, sift, score, reject, or approve any recruitment decisions, at any stage of our recruitment process. Our recruitment decisions are made by hiring managers and the HR team, ensuring a personal and thoughtful approach to each candidate.

We do utilise AI technology in a limited capacity to enhance our recruitment process. Specifically, we use Metaview to record and transcribe interviews. This tool helps us maintain accurate records of interviews, to support objective scoring of answers based on evidence and ensures that we can review and reflect on the conversations held during the recruitment process. Importantly, Metaview is not used to evaluate candidates or make any decisions regarding their suitability for a role.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and fairness in our recruitment processes and will continue to review and update our practices to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.