Job Description

Main information

Experience level

Entry level

Term type

Permanent

Team

Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Location

Edinburgh

The role

The main purpose of this role is to be responsible for managing a case load of defended court actions, primarily in the debt recovery space, as well as working within the team assisting in other dispute resolution matters as required. The role will suit an individual who is keen to learn new skills and also for those looking to build on their existing knowledge and understanding of litigation in Scotland.


Full training on how to deal with financial services litigation cases and utilise commercial strategies to reach a conclusion will be provided.

The team

Our Financial Services Litigation team within the Advisory Servicea Division, provides a complete range of debt recovery, insolvency, commercial litigation and lending and banking disputes. The team litigates in the Court of Session and in Sheriff Courts throughout Scotland, utilising cutting edge technology, all operating under a centralised management structure allowing us to deliver consistently excellent service. Our structure ensures we can provide a full range of debt recovery and litigation options, whilst ensuring that we have the expertise and experience to deal with any complex and technical issues.


Our highly successful and reputable Financial Services Litigation Team are looking to recruit a Paralegal. This is an excellent opportunity to join a team that has achieved

Tier 1 rankings in the Legal 500,

won

Debt Recovery Team of the Year at the Law Awards of Scotland in 2016, 2017, 2018

and 2019

as well as being

"Highly Commended" in the Litigation Team of the Year category at the Scottish Legal Awards 2019.

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world's most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve 'Platinum Standard' Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.


We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

Main responsibilities

Manage inbound and outbound calls to ensure the best outcome for our clients, including by way of negotiated settlement. File management within the case management system to ensure that our client's cases are progressed in a timely manner. Ensuring that information is recorded accurately to our case management system and ensuring clients are kept updated on progress with their cases. Taking personal responsibility for compliance with all relevant client and internal Service Level Agreements, as well as diarising key dates and court hearings to ensure that no key dates are missed. Drafting basic court documents, including motions and minutes. Remaining professional and polite at all times.

Skills and qualifications

Excellent customer service expertise. Strong negotiation, communication and problem-solving skills. Good written, numeracy and oral communication skills. Accuracy and attention to detail. IT literate including sound knowledge of Word, Excel and the internet. Ability to prioritise, be organised and efficient. Flexibility with the capability to adapt to change, new practices and cope under pressure but with the ability to recognise when to seek assistance. Able to integrate within a team and able to work on your own initiative. Be pro-active and self-motivated with a positive approach. Previous experience in an legal environment dealing with a volume of work is desirable.

Desirable skills and experience.

Previous experience in an office environment involving interaction with clients/customers over the phone Previous experience of negotiating with customers to achieve a positive outcome. Previous experience in the legal services market, and particularly litigation, would be highly desirable, even if that experience did not involve dealing with defended actions.

Background checks

Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted. These checks will include employment references covering the last 5 years, proof of ID, proof of address covering the last 5 years, Personnel Vetting credit search (which will only highlight insolvency or County Court Judgments - should any adverse data show on the Personnel Vetting search then any offer of employment made will be withdrawn).Terrorism Check (against data supplied by the Bank of England) and a DBS check previously known as a Criminal Records check.

Equal opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.


This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.


#LI-CS1