Job description
The Firm
TWM Solicitors is one of the largest legal practices in Surrey, and a leading law firm in the Southeast, with a strong history and heritage. Our specialist teams undertake the full spectrum of legal work, providing quality, practical and cost-effective solutions to individuals, businesses and other organisations. Central to our approach is a commitment to delivering the highest level of client service, working collaboratively across teams and delivering a progressive and modern approach to problem solving. The firm has been independently recognised for excellence by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
With an emphasis on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace and excellent work life enrichment, TWM genuinely cares about its people, their learning and development and career progression.
Purpose of the department
Our focus is on providing outstanding client service, through expert, clear advice and assistance with Residential Property matters, delivered in a professional and engaged way that leads to high levels of client satisfaction. We work together at all levels of our team to create a supportive and pro-active environment to achieve this.
The prime role of the Paralegal is to provide direct support to their fee earner(s) to enable them to operate at optimum efficiency. This will include but will not be limited to the main responsibilities given below. The jobholder is expected to use a degree of self-management and initiative.
Key tasks and quality standards
Key tasks, duties and quality standards:
· Where appropriate, record any time and is beginning to understand the billing/financial requirements of each department/the firm.
· Assist the Residential Property department generally as and when required.
· Prepare correspondence and documents (which may include transcribing digital dictation).
· Administer filing which will include daily filing and the opening, closing, storage and retrieval of client files in accordance with the detailed procedures contained in the office manual.
· Prepare mail and enclosures for despatch by post/email or fax.
· Arrange for all copying to be done, in person if the office assistant is not available to undertake the task.
· If appropriate, make appointments, arrange meetings and maintain an up-to-date diary for their fee earner.
· If appropriate, prepare the conference rooms for meetings as necessary, tidy and clear the room at the end of the meeting and provide refreshments when asked to do so.
· Attend to clients and agents both in person and on the telephone and provide such support in a professional and friendly manner in keeping with the firm’s standards for client care: including updating clients and agents; chasing clients, other side and organisations for information.
· Prepare completion statements and assist with post exchange and pre completion formalities.
· Undertake on-line form filling requirements including SDLT forms.
· Prepare and submits Land Registry forms (AP1, UN1, RX1 etc.)
· Obtain information from local authorities and other organisations.
· Deal with registration and all post completion formalities.
· Demonstrate a willingness to be involved in matters outside of normal work, such as marketing.
· To ensure the confidentiality of all the firm’s and clients’ documentation and information.
· To operate the firm’s Case Management System.
· To maintain or improve on the current standards of document presentation.
· To consider improvements to the general administrative efficiency of the department.
· Undertake any specific training when required to do so and overall to have a responsibility towards self-development.
· Undertake other duties as from time to time is required.
Other
- Act in accordance with TWM Solicitors’ core values (TWM Cares) at all times.
Qualifications:
Within TWM, there are three recognised routes in terms of qualifying as a Paralegal as follows:
· Institute of Paralegals qualifying route:
o You will be an Associate and have completed Level 3 of studies which requires a minimum of 1 year’s practical legal experience (which TWM required to be is in the specialist area of law in which you are practising. (In total this route will require 3 years of study to achieve Qualified Paralegal status) OR
· CLT Specialist Paralegal Course route:
o You will be completing your one year course and, at the same time, gaining another year of practical legal experience in the specialist area of law in which you are practising OR
· Graduate route:
As a Paralegal TWM requires you to be a law Graduate with some relevant experience within the specialist areas of law in which you are practising.
Essential personal qualities, skills and abilities
· Legal background with some property experience
· Good IT skills in relevant packages
· Keeps up with Fee Earner’s work production
· Very good accuracy levels
· Demonstrates a positive attitude.
· Communicates professionally with clients, agents and others involved in the conveyancing process, both on the ‘phone and personally
· Provides good customer care, responsiveness and attention to client service
· Provides good levels of initiative and willingness to take on responsibility
· Demonstrates a pro-active approach to work and clients
· Demonstrates ability and willingness to:
o work to deadlines
o to cope under pressure
o prioritise work-loads effectively
o work as part of a team
· Demonstrates clear commitment to the firm and a genuine interest in legal work
· Demonstrates a clear understanding of, and alignment with, the values of the firm.
Demonstrates a high level of courtesy and respect in dealing with all colleagues, including Central Management, Finance, IT, HR and Marketing and clients/key business introducers, etc.
Desirable skills and abilities·
· Prior knowledge of Practice Evolve or other case management systems
· Knowledge of law/legal practice
Salary dependent on relevant experience.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Life insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Guildford, Surrey: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- residential or commercial property: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
