Job Title: Fee Earning Paralegal
Location: Stourbridge
Salary: Negotiable
Job type: Permanent, Full time
Wall James Chappell is a modern specialist firm of solicitors offering a wealth of specialist expert knowledge to both corporate and individual clients not just locally but across the UK. The firm places importance on providing technically excellent advice with a practical and sensitive approach, working in partnership with its clients. Clients receive friendly and effective advice from a solicitor whom they can trust.
The Role
They are now looking for a full-time Fee Earning Paralegal working within the Family Department, supporting the Head of Department. Previous experience of Fee Earning in Family Law is required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform fee earning work accurately, reliably and in accordance with the Firms' Office Manual.
- Manage a personal caseload and ensure that files are managed competently, effectively, and profitably.
- Manage and be personally responsible for a comprehensive caseload of varied family law matters, including divorce, financial matters, children matters, separation issues etc.
- Preferably have a particular interest towards children matters.
- Provide effective advocacy in courts.
- Achievement of any assigned billing targets where appropriate.
- Ensure that time and cost recording data is maintained for each case in accordance with the Firm's procedure.
- Gain or maintain IT skills appropriate to a modern legal practice.
- Development and updating of legal knowledge in chosen area(s) of law in accordance with SRA webinars, self-study, and perusal of reference materials.
- Ensuring that expert witnesses, counsel, and other external services are instructed, approved, subject to client consultation where appropriate and evaluated in accordance with the Firms' procedures.
- Utilising the Firm's case management system to best effect.
- Complying with the Firm's various policies and procedures contained in the office manual.
- Proof reading of documents.
- Speaking to clients/solicitors/counsel/counsel's clerks.
- Keeping clients updated as to progress.
- Preparing briefs and bundles.
- Making and taking telephone calls.
- Dealing with new client enquiries.
- Covering for others as required.
- Ensuring the confidentiality and security of all practice and client documentation and information.
- Ensuring that outstanding client care is given at all times.
- Any other duties that are reasonably asked of you by the partners or Head of department.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
- Minimum of 12 months' experience of Fee Earning in Family Law
- Super organised
- Friendly and helpful
- Flexible and able to prioritise a changing to do list
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Trustworthy, discreet and reliable
- Self-motivated and proactive
- Articulate and a good communicator
- Good with English (verbally and written)
- Proficient in using a computer (especially Word, Excel and MS Office)
- Able to work in a team
- Calm under pressure