Job Description

Overview:

We are looking for a paralegal for our Contentious Private Client Team based in our London or Basingstoke office. The team advise on all aspects of trust and estate litigation, including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, will validity disputes, disputes relating to the removal of trustees and personal representatives, estate and trust administration disputes and constructive trusts and proprietary estoppel claims. Acting for beneficiaries, executors and trustees, including individuals, trust companies and other organisations such as charities, the role offers excellent opportunities to get involved in supporting the Partners and Associates in this work.


Responsibilities:
Support fee-earners in the team with running their case load; Drafting documents and general correspondence; Carrying out legal research; Preparing witness statements; Preparation of bundles; Liaison with the Court; Taking detailed and accurate attendance notes; First point of contact to take details from potential new clients; Dealing with initial client care documentation and follow up; Ensuring files are kept in order and documents are saved down correctly; Ensuring post is sent out properly and accurately, and is received at the destination; Organising couriers and taking responsibility for delivery of documents; General document management and prioritisation; Management of team's expectations of service delivery which may extend to communication of the same with client; Producing chronologies of documents and indexes; Production of bills and billings letters and ensuring they have been sent out; Updating diaries with key dates; Being part of day to day running of the team to include social activities, and cross checking of diaries to book meetings etc; Assisting with know-how and taking turns to chair know-how meeting

The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) for at least 50% of their time. Individuals can also apply for other flexible working options either at the time of recruitment or during the course of their employment.


Essential & Desirable Criteria:
Degree or CILEX qualification Ability to communicate via telephone and email Confidence in client facing meetings and communications Ability to recognise the importance of, and work to a deadline Ability to manage a busy workload and excellent organisational skills Ability to work either alone or collaboratively with other team members Attention to accuracy and detail Collaborative team member with ability to quickly build relationships with a wide range of people Receptive to facilitate and support change Comfortable working under pressure with the ability to plan and prioritise work; appreciation of fee earner needs and constraints; commercially aware IT literate, confident user of MS office


At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm's commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.


We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Niamh.Madden@penningtonslaw.com