Paralegal - Commercial Disputes (12 Month FTC)

Paralegal - Commercial Disputes (12 Month FTC)

Wedlake Bell are recruiting a Paralegal to join our highly-regarded Commercial Disputes team. This is a 12 month fixed term contract, and is expected to be five days in office per week.

Our commercial disputes team advises on a broad spectrum of leading matters, from private disputes to large scale group litigations, covering anything from general contract disputes, fraud, company and shareholder issues, property, and insolvency, etc. Our clients are equally diverse, ranging from private individuals through to multinational organisations.

As a Paralegal in the commercial disputes team, you will provide junior legal support to Partners and fee earners at all stages of the disputes process, from conducting legal research, drafting legal documents and correspondence, through to preparing court documentation. As you gain experience, you will also have the opportunity to run smaller disputes matters under supervision.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate (law or related) or future trainee solicitor to gain outstanding experience in a truly varied practice. Please apply with a short covering note highlighting your related experience and interest in gaining commercial disputes experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing general litigation support on a varied caseload of commercial disputes, property disputes, insolvency, and debt recovery matters, for a mixed set of clients including a large institutional landlord client with a significant commercial portfolio;
• Helping draft and prepare documentation required for the disputes lifecycle: pre action correspondence, court proceedings, settlement agreements, etc;
• Taking client instructions and assisting with client enquiries and routine correspondence under supervision;
• Maintaining up to date schedules for internal and client purposes;
• Undertaking legal research;
• Other administrative tasks including diarising and monitoring key dates, printing, scanning, bundling, facilitating client on boarding through drafting engagement letters and corresponding with clients regarding required documentation, assisting with preparing, reviewing and sending out bills, etc; and
• Other ad hoc responsibilities as required.

Skills and Qualifications

• A keen interest in commercial litigation, ideally with demonstrable litigation experience or have other experience/internships/further education showcasing a good understanding of the Civil Procedure Rules;
• A university degree achieving at least a 2:1 - ideally a law degree, or post graduate qualification in a related field;
• Completion of the LPC or SQE preparatory courses / successful completion of SQE exams is advantageous but not essential;
• Prior experience in a law firm would be advantageous but not essential;
• Excellent communication skills - must be able to interact and communicate effectively across all levels of seniority, both internally and externally;
• Able to work well under pressure and in keeping with deadlines;
• Must have excellent attention to detail; and
• Strong IT capabilities, including a good understanding of modern office software (Office 365 suite) - in particular, MS Excel experience would be advantageous.

Benefits

• A competitive starting salary;
• A comprehensive pension plan;
• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
• Enhanced parental leave policies;
• Employee Assistance Programme with face to face counselling services;
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.