Job Description

Turpin & Miller LLP is looking for a Paralegal on a 1 year contract to join our housing team. This would suit someone in Oxford looking for their first step into a legal career, but also someone looking for a stable administrative role.

Our housing team work exclusively for tenants and those experiencing homelessness/loss of their home and almost all of our work is done under Legal Aid. We provide free representation to tenants at risk of losing their homes under the court duty schemes at Oxford and Reading County Courts. We assist those who are homeless and experiencing difficulties in accessing support from their local authority, including through judicial review proceedings and County Court appeals.

Paralegal roles do not require a Law degree or any previous legal experience. The skills you will need will be around Microsoft Office, your confidence with computers more generally and the ability to listen and take instructions. Many of our clients are exceptionally vulnerable and patience and empathy are an absolute must!

You will find Turpin & Miller to be a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, akin to a family run business. We work hard to make sure the environment is both productive and comfortable for you, and that you clearly understand your role and how to accomplish it.

Paralegal/Caseworker Support

and Person Specification

1.

Objectives of the Role

You will work as an effective team player, supporting the solicitors/caseworkers in the conduct of their matters. Although you will usually be working with one or two particular solicitors/caseworkers, that may change from time to time and you must also be willing to work for others when the need arises.

The range of your work will be appropriate to your developing experience.

2.

Key Responsibilities

You will undertake such administrative tasks as will contribute to the smooth running of the casework and of the firm, including scanning incoming and outgoing materials and ensuring all emails and other relevant communications are in ALB.

You will communicate in a professional way with clients and colleagues in person, by phone, text, email and Teams.

You will take instructions from clients (including new enquiries) and ascertain the client's goals. If you a paralegal/casework support in the Private team it is also likely that you will be on the 'new client calls' roster.

You will set up clients, matters and 'opportunities' in ALB.

You will support the solicitor/caseworkers in providing written confirmation of instructions and strategy in the 'client care'/case plan, ensuring that all legal advice is checked with a solicitor/caseworker before being sent out.

You will prepare first drafts of paper and online applications under the supervision of the solicitor/caseworker.

You will prepare first drafts of applications and appeal bundles under the supervision of the solicitor/caseworker and upload as required.

You will assist with assembling and formatting supporting evidence.

In your support of the solicitor/caseworkers with whom you work, you will manage priorities, maintain good records, pay the greatest attention to detail, comply with deadlines and key dates and assist with following up with fees and bill payments.

You will contribute where you can to the sharing of knowledge throughout the firm, always supporting your colleagues and working in a cooperative and collegiate manner.

3.

Personal Development

You will aim to develop your legal and technical competence and understanding through shadowing, casework support, reading and self-study, in addition to attending relevant training provided by the firm.

4.

Person Specification (skills, knowledge, experience, attributes, & qualifications)

While there are no formal qualifications for the role, you will normally hold a good bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent qualification. A legal qualification will be an advantage.

If required to work on legal aid-controlled work matters you will usually be expected to hold, or be working towards, the appropriate level of

You will be able to demonstrate a high level of critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving.

You will have a high standard of English, both oral and written. You will be able to express yourself and complex ideas simply and clearly and without verbiage.

You will be confident in the use of the standard MS software. You will have the basic IT skills to create smart looking documents, spreadsheets, and training materials. You will also have the ability and confidence to embrace and learn new software as required and to facilitate your work.

You will either have - or the aptitude for - commercial awareness and business acumen.

You will be resilient and agile, demonstrate emotional intelligence and be able to show empathy, inspire confidence and overcome setbacks.

You will have a commitment to social justice and the rule of law and the overriding ethos of the firm, which is provide equal access to high quality legal representation, regardless of means.

You will be committed to your own personal and career development.

You will ask if you need help, are struggling or feel that at any point you are being expected to work beyond your knowledge, experience, capacity or capability.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 24,570.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

Oxford OX4 2EW: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person