Job Description

Who are we?

Susan Howarth & Co. Solicitors is proud to be an independent, market town practice which was established in 1997 with the belief that everyone has a right to access justice.

With a commitment to deliver the highest quality of service to all clients, we offer high-quality legal advice in Family Law, Commercial & Residential Property and Wills, Trusts & Probate incl. Powers of Attorney & Court of Protection.

Regardless of size and geography, we've proved that recognition for expert legal advice, client care and excellent in service delivery can be achieved with the right goals and ambition by way of our ranking as a Band 3 Leading Family Law Firm in The Legal 500 (with Susan Howarth ranked as a Leading Individual for 3 years) and a Band 2 ranked practice in Chambers & Partners, not to mention our Lexcel accredition for excellence in practice management and our shortlisting for the Lexis Nexis Family Law Firm of the Year (North) for 2 consecutive years.

Community-focussed and forward-thinking, we pride ourself on our people and promote organic growth.

We adopt a down-to-earth 'all hands to the pump' approach to working within the firm, which includes participation in practice marketing and staff events - we're a friendly office with a family feel and an open-door policy for all.

The role

To support the lawyers in the Family Law team.

To undertake such tasks as requested by the family team lawyers. Under the supervision of the family lawyers, to undertake fee-earning work and provide a profitable contribution to the work of the Department through the achievement of agreed financial and non-financial targets.

To ensure the successful development of the firm in line with the firm's business plan and any agreed personal goal plan.

Key tasks

Assisting with and supporting the management of the family department case load. Assisting the family lawyers in the day-to-day Management of their case load. Undertaking fee earning work under the supervision of a lawyer. Ensuring all messages, correspondence, communications, and emails are delivered to the relevant lawyer accurately and without delay. Transcribing dictation as and when required. Drafting applications. Filing and other general office tasks. Covering (when and if required) for other members of staff when they are absent. Attending case conferences, pre-proceeding meetings and professional meetings. Assisting the lawyers with the management of cases from start to conclusion and keeping the clients informed of developments of the case through oral and written updates. Ensuring the compliance with Court directions and timetables. Dealing with and responding to, routine incoming correspondence and e-mails. Monitoring the care department e-mails and actioning the same. Dealing with routine incoming telephone calls and enquiries. Opening files and ensuring the same are opened in accordance with our policies and procedures. Drafting documents to include statements, letters, briefs to Counsel, schedules etc. Preparing Court Bundles when our client is the Applicant (in accordance with Court protocol). Demonstrating organisational skills. Managing own diary that of the family department lawyers, checking representation for all hearings and meetings is arranged. Working through the brought forward diary system and completing the necessary work under the supervision of a lawyer. Keeping the diary up to date. Managing clients' expectations. Attending upon clients both in person and remotely to obtain instructions. Being familiar with and complying with all SH&CO office manual, practices and procedures. Preparing cases for Court hearings. Attending conferences with Counsel and client where appropriate. Attending Court with client and Counsel where appropriate. Drafting and amending letters of instruction to expert. Completing legal aid applications. Preparing Legal Aid Bills and submitting the same. Managing files efficiently and in accordance with set procedures. Checking cost estimates and cost limits on legal aid certificate files and liaising with billing clerk / lawyers in relation to the same. Completing time recording on all matters. Keeping all files in neat and orderly manner to ensure any other lawyers will be able to see the stage of a case at a glance. Inputting data into the firm's computer system as required Liaising with members of staff in other teams or external contacts as necessary Prioritising workload in consultation with the lawyer concerned. Deputising in the lawyer's absence passing urgent issues to another senior fee earner for guidance Engaging in dealing with initial client enquiries to ensure they are assigned to the most appropriate person. Notifying the appropriate supervisor immediately of any concerns that could lead potentially to a complaint. Supporting other colleagues and engaging in such tasks as are allocated to you.

Personal Development

Undergo such training as might be appropriate for the role and in accordance with SRA requirements. Keep up to date with changes and developments in the specialised area in practice of public childcare law. Engage and if appropriate, assist with in-house training as may be required. Be responsible for and attend to issues of personal self-development as may be identified in supervision and/or annual appraisals.

Business Development Responsibilities

Assist the family team in pursuing potential business leads. Assist the family team in Building up a network of referrals from other solicitors and professionals. Maintain relationship with professionals to build reputation and client base. Effectively promote and cross refer other areas of law within the practice where applicable to help maximise our service delivery to clients. Provide advice to potential clients through the free half hour advice. Supporting other lawyers at holiday time and/or periods of illness. Carrying out such business development activities as are agreed.

Other areas of duty

At all times exercise a high standard of client care in a professional, efficient and pleasant manner. Be pro-active in promoting the services of the firm, its professional image and ethos in relation to the delivery of a high-quality service. Ensure the preservation of confidentiality and security of all the firm's and client documentation and information at all times. Comply with the Solicitors Accounts Rules and the Professional Code of Conduct laid down by the SRA, Law Society, Lexcel, Resolution and any other relevant professional bodies. Maintain clear and precise communications with other personnel within the firm. Carry out any other duties as appropriate to the nature of the post as may be required. Attend staff and, where appropriate, monthly family law department meetings as required. Uphold the aims and principles of the firm's policies.

What is required?

As a Paralegal you should ideally have experience in basic family law/as a legal assistant, preferably gained over a 3-year period or more.

We are looking for confident, presentable candidate with a strong work ethic and a commitment to deliver a high-quality legal service to our valued clients.

We value personality, compassion, flexibility, enthusiasm, initiative and loyalty.

Additional skills required for the role include:

A pleasant but assertive manner in dealing with colleagues and clients - tact and resilience are essential qualities Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing, with a good command of written English Strong efficiency and organisational skills, with good control of diary systems and solid computer literacy A pragmatic approach to the workload Strong team player

Likely training requirements

Annual in-house training in GDPR, Cyber Security, Conflict of Interest, Money Laundering, Equality & Diversity. In house Office Manual All policies/plans and procedures of the practice In house Legal Aid training

Salary

Negotiable, depending on experience

Benefits

Pension, On-site parking, Holiday entitlement - 20 days (increasing after 2 years of service by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 25) + Christmas shutdown from 5pm on the last working day before Christmas to the first working day of the new year, plus birthday off and sick pay (10 days paid sick leave), both of which applicable after 1 completed year of employment.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 19,000.00-24,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

Northwich CW9 5JE: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

How many years of commercial experience do you have working in the legal sector? Do you have commercial experience working in the area of Family Law?
Experience:

Paralegal: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person