Job Description

About the role

This role is for a paralegal in Wallis Crockford's team. Wallis' expertise covers a wide range of complex medical negligence claims, including brain injury, cancer, vascular, orthopaedic, cauda equina syndrome, colorectal, cardiology, gynaecology and ophthalmology.

Overall purpose for this role

A paralegal within this role would be expected to:


provide a reliable and efficient support service primarily to the supervising fee-earner and assist with general administration of caseloads, undertake a wide variety of tasks as set out below, and undertake other ad-hoc duties as required from time to time.

Main duties and responsibilities

Drafting legal documents, attending meetings, instructing experts, taking and drafting witness statements, reviewing and considering evidence, client liaison, research work, general correspondence, assist with procedures relating to costs collections and general administrative support. Sort and review medical and financial records, liaise with medical professionals, financial institutions and other solicitors. Assisting in the management of deadlines. In the absence of supervising fee-earner, ensure that urgent matters are referred to appropriate personnel.

File/case management

Keep thorough and accurate notes of meetings and preparation of file notes. Preparing Court and other documents for the approval of the fee earner. Organising and preparing Court and other bundles.

Telephones

Telephone clients/other contacts as and when necessary, dealing with such calls in a courteous and efficient manner.

Client relations

Communicate effectively; be approachable and professional in all dealings. To ensure monetary transactions are dealt with efficiently and in accordance with office procedures.

Filing

Ensure filing kept up-to-date and copies of correspondence/ documents are kept in the file, open new files/close old files as required. Pay attention to detail and ensure accuracy.

Information technology

To utilise IT to provide a quality, cost effective and efficient service to clients.

Training

To try and keep up-to-date by attending in-house seminars, through research, reading and attending courses if appropriate. To ensure that adequate training is received to be able to gain maximum benefit from the firm's investment in Information Technology.

Business development

To partake in business development.

Any other tasks as might from time to time will be required.

Performance measured by:

Effective support of the supervising fee-earner. Efficiency in dealing with work and accuracy of work produced. Ability to work with initiative; maintaining a flexible and responsible approach. Personal development and contribution to the overall objectives of the firm. Good attendance and timekeeping.

Person specification

Genuine interest to work with a leading claimant law firm and passionate about providing access to justice to all. Experience in sorting and reviewing medical, financial records and drafting legal documentation and correspondence. Good academic background with legal qualifications (Degree, GDL etc.). Demonstrable experience in using a variety of IT packages (MS Word, Excel, Case Management Systems and Outlook). Proven ability to communicate accurately, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing with a wide range of clients and various stakeholders. Proven ability to organise and prioritise a complex workload and work to tight deadlines whilst maintaining a positive attitude. Proven ability to work and contribute in a team environment. Proven ability to be self-sufficient in relation to administration, typing and IT requirements.

Desirable

Relevant paralegal experience in medical negligence. Experience in interviewing clients, taking witness statements, dealing sensitively and managing difficult situations and conversations.

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.

Benefits

29 days' holiday per annum inclusive of 4 days' compulsory leave to be taken during the Christmas office closure, plus all public and bank holidays; two weeks' of working elsewhere; contributory pension scheme; life assurance (4 times annual salary); private medical insurance; interest free season ticket loan; childcare vouchers; cycle to work scheme; electric vehicle scheme. Our hybrid working policy for full-time employees is three days in the office and two at home, and we also offer free breakfast and lunch every day for those coming into to the office.



We also have annual social activities and genuinely pride ourselves on having a supportive and friendly culture.

Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Leigh Day is committed to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We value the diversity of our colleagues, our clients and the third parties with whom we work. We seek to create an environment where everyone feels included and valued for their unique characteristics, skills and abilities and supported in their needs and responsibilities.



We welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or recruitment process. There is an option to detail this on your application form, however, please just get in touch should you wish to discuss this prior to formally submitting an application. Please note all conversations or disclosures are treated in the strictest confidence.