This role is to act as a personal assistant to a visually impaired barrister. The role will involve converting court documents so that they are accessible to the barrister using specialist OCR software, proof-reading documents and also orientation/practical help at court. The job is varied and involves travel predominantly throughout Yorkshire, Lancashire and the North East so applicants will need to be enthusiastic and flexible.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Proof reading draft documents (checking for formatting errors, typos etc).
- Converting case papers using Omnipage (OCR software) in order to make them into accessible word documents.
- Typing out handwritten documents that Omnipage cannot translate.
- Reading documents if they cannot be translated by Omnipage/if there is no time for them to be made accessible, e.g. if a last minute document are produced at court.
- Checking papers for information which might not be picked up by Omnipage, e.g. handwriting, photographs, screenshots, ticks in boxes such as on forms etc.
- Describing photographs, maps and CCTV footage.
- Assistance with case management systems (checking the daily diary, inputting data into the billing system so that payment can be requested, checking the payment records).
- Compiling hard copy trial bundles/court documents.
- Filling in forms.
- Assisting with document provision in court (handing up copies, exchanging copies with opponents etc).
- Court orientation (assisting with finding waiting rooms, court rooms, court offices, conference rooms etc).
- Locating clients/opponents.
- Help with collecting forms from the court office and/or obtaining copies of things for lay clients.
- Occasional dog duties (not anticipated to be often but for example if the dog is taken ill/needs to go out during a hearing).
- Working alongside the clerks for chasing papers, raising issues if documents are corrupted etc.
Essential skills:
- Strong administrative skills using windows to include word, excel, outlook and adobe.
- Ability to learn new systems (case management systems, omnipage).
- Flexibility and adaptability (work hours can change).
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Ability to travel (we can be in any court in the country although generally Yorkshire, Lancashire and the northeast).
- Punctual and reliable.
- Friendly, approachable, a team player but also someone who can use their initiative when prioritising work in accordance with upcoming cases.
- Discreet (cases are confidential and often sensitive. We also deal with challenging clients in emotive situations).
- Must like dogs
Not essential but desirable:
- Some legal knowledge although this role is more administrative than legal in itself so candidates with a strong admin/personal assistant background should apply.
- Driving will assist when getting us to some courts but is not essential.
Due to the amount of response we receive, unfortunately we are not able to give feedback to individuals, if you have not heard back within 5 days please assume that you have not been successful for the role you have applied for. By applying to this advertisement, you are hereby giving consent for Jo Holdsworth Recruitment to hold your details for a 30 day period and contact you via any method of contact you have listed on your application. (Jo Holdsworth Recruitment - Recruitment Agency)