Maternity Cover FTC - Planning Paralegal

Davies and Partners Solicitors is a well-established law firm with over 30 years' experience. It has a national reputation for excellence in the Property sector and strength in depth in a wide selection of other legal services for businesses & individuals. There are 4 offices in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Gloucester.Reporting LineThis role reports to the Senior Associate and Director for Planning and Development.Job PurposeThis role is varied and will encompass administration and Paralegal duties such as assisting the Fee Earner dealing with a wide range of matters.Key Duties and Responsibilities.

• Dealing with administrative routines, and providing administrative support as required by the Fee Earner;
• Assisting with responses to enquiries;
• Opening new files and preparing standard client care letters;
• Assistance with basic telephone calls and taking messages where appropriate;
• Commissioning property related searches;
• Producing legal documentation and standard forms;
• Photocopying and scanning of documents;
• Checking legal documents for quality, consistency and content;
• Audio typing standard letters, emails and documents;
• Obtaining pre-completion searches with HM Land Registry;
• Preparing spreadsheets and completion statements;
• Assisting with setting up completions with Accounts department;
• Arranging completion letters to client and other side solicitors;
• Registration applications to HM Land Registry;
• Closing files following completion and registration;
• Legal research.

The following tasks provide a general overview of the types of activity, the candidate will be expected to engage in or oversee on a day-to-day basis. The tasks are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities as all employees are required to be flexible, dynamic and have the capacity to think creatively when presented with challenges.Your job title does not define or limit your duties and you may be required to carry out other work within your abilities from time to time at our request.We reserve the right to introduce changes in line with technological developments which may impact upon your job duties or methods of working.LocationDavies and Partners Solicitors, Rowan House, Barnett Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RTSalaryCompetitive + BenefitsContract TypeFull Time, 37.5 hours Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5.30pm.ComplianceAs part of our compliance procedures, applicants are asked to note that:

• references will be followed up;
• all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily;
• proof of identity and (where applicable) qualifications will be required;
• reference requests will ask specifically whether the applicant has ever been subject to any proceedings/complaints initiated by the Law Society or any other professional body.
• appropriate suitability checks may be required prior to confirmation of appointment.

This role meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role may require applicants who are offered employment to be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions.Equal OpportunitiesDavies and Partners Solicitors provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable national laws. Davies and Partners Solicitors complies with applicable national laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.To view our Candidate Privacy Notice please visit our website. Person Specification

• Legal Status
• Appropriate DBS disclosure will be required prior to confirmation of appointment.
• Right to live and work in the UK, e.g. valid UK or EU passport or appropriate visa/work permits.

Education/ Qualifications

• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Proficient in use of IT
• Degree educated (preferably a Law Degree). Exceptional candidates without a Degree, but who have suitable administrative experience will also be considered.

Skills/Knowledge

• The ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Good accurate typing (preferably audio) and IT skills;
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy is essential.

Desirable Criteria

• Use of Case Management Systems
• Office experience in a Legal environment

You may have experience of the following: Planning Paralegal, Property and Planning Paralegal, Real Estate Paralegal, Planning Law Paralegal, Legal Assistant (Planning), Property Legal Assistant, Development Planning Assistant, Junior Planning Fee Earner, Legal Administrator - Planning.REF-