This vacancy is open to direct applications only, no approaches via recruitment agencies will be accepted at this time.
Background
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Paralegal to join the Environmental department of our group actions division on a permanent, full-time basis.
Hugh James is, without doubt, the most experienced group action firm in the UK. We have dealt with more cases where a group litigation order has been granted than any other firm List of group litigation orders - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). With over 50 years’ experience, and 700 staff members, we have the expertise to provide a service our clients can trust.
Our specialist team of experienced lawyers has successfully conducted environmental nuisance claims for whole communities affected by various forms of nuisance: primarily odour/noise/dust from neighbouring factories/landfill sites. The team also pursues claims for property owners affected by encroachment of Japanese knotweed. It also comprises specialist solicitors in claims for diminution in value pursued under the Land Compensation Act 1973, on behalf of communities whose homes have been affected by public works.
The role
The role will involve working on the team’s various claims, to include:
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Investigating new claims;
- Interviewing clients
- Dealing with new enquiries
- Registering new cases
- Processing applications for After the Event Insurance
- Liaising with experts and clients to arrange meetings and mediations etc.
- Dealing with telephone enquiries from clients
- Assisting solicitors within the group in all procedures, including instructing counsel and issuing and pursuing court proceedings
- Dealing with complex funding arrangements, mostly CFA
- Dealing with proprietary interest to confirm clients have a legal interest in their property
- Assisting with court orders and preparing court documents
- Taking accurate minutes for both internal and external hearings and conferences
- Sending out settlement payments to clients
- Referring claims to the Lands Tribunal
- Sending out bulk mailing to individual clients on group actions
- Processing diary entries and scripting of tasks through the case management system
- Assisting with preparing settlement/damages tables
Skills & Qualifications
This role would ideally suit a candidate qualified to A level/graduate or similar. A knowledge and understanding of the civil litigation process would be distinctly advantageous, along with an understanding of the issues relating to private nuisance and the Land Compensation Act 1973 as specific areas of law, although training will be given.
The successful candidate will be IT literate with good oral communication and interpersonal skills as the role will involve a lot of client contact over the telephone.
There is also a requirement for the candidate to have strong written communication and drafting skills, along with excellent organisational skills in order to juggle the conflicting demands of the role.
The ability to work well in a team is essential along with a proactive approach to work commitments.
Life at Hugh James
We never shy away from a challenge
We are a leading, full-service UK law firm. Since our beginning, we have been led by the things that matter. We care about fighting for the right outcomes. Solving the seemingly unsolvable. Protecting businesses, individuals and livelihoods. Supporting our people, our communities. Safeguarding our planet. Looking for a way forward? At Hugh James, challenges – of all sizes – are readily accepted.
The Hugh James difference
Our law firm has always been guided by the idea that self-belief is just as important as skillset. Our pursuit of righting wrongs and protecting what’s important keeps us driving forwards. It’s in our roots! We won’t stop until we find the answers; the outcomes that are needed.
We are focused on the work we do, the business we run, and our culture. Our entrepreneurial spirit has taken us from humble beginnings to a strong presence across the UK with offices in Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Plymouth – servicing clients from businesses, individuals and banks to public sector organisations, property companies, education establishments and utilities providers. Our collegiate culture, our forward-looking ethos, our values serve to make us bigger, better, bolder than ever before.
A positive force in the community
Our work with charities on a local and national level plays a huge part in our day-to-day lives. We work with a large range of charities, some of which we support through fundraising, donations, volunteering and others we partner with where our areas of work cross paths. Staff, clients everyone comes together through a shared passion to do good in the community and support those in need.
Some of our benefits on offer include:
Minimum of 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Two Corporate Social Responsibility days
Birthday day off
Death in service equivalent to twice annual salary
Auto enrolment pension scheme
Hybrid working
Employee Assistance Programme
Discounts for local businesses
Professional fees paid (subject to requirement for your role)
Employee recruitment incentive scheme
Hugh James is an equal opportunities and disability confident committed employer.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this opportunity. If you have questions, please contact Jo Herbert.
We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the given deadline if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
