Paralegal, Lending, Guildford

Job Reference – GL14

Overview of the Vacancy

TWM Solicitors LLP require a Paralegal to provide direct support to his/her fee earner(s) in the Lending department 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.

Job Description

• Attends to clients and agents both in person and on the telephone and provides 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.

• Administers 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.

• Assists the Lending department generally as and when required.

• Arranges for all copying to be done, in person if the office assistant is not available to undertake the task.

• Deals with registration and all post completion formalities.

• Demonstrates a willingness to be involved in matters outside of normal work, such as marketing.

• If appropriate, makes appointments, arranges meetings and maintains an up to date diary for his/her fee earner.

• If appropriate, prepares the conference rooms for meetings as necessary, tidying and clearing the room at the end of the meeting and providing refreshments when asked to do so.

• Obtains information from local authorities and other organisations.

• Prepares completion statements and assist with post exchange and pre completion formalities.

• Prepares and submits Land Registry forms (AP1, UN1, RX1 etc.).

• Prepares correspondence and documents (which may include transcribing digital dictation).

• Prepares mail and enclosures for despatch by post/email or fax.

• 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.

• Undertakes any specific training when required to do so and overall to have a responsibility towards self-development.

• Undertakes other duties as from time to time is required.

• Undertakes on-line form filling requirements including SDLT forms.

• Where appropriate, records any time and is beginning to understand the billing/financial requirements of each department/the Firm.

Qualifications

Within TWM, there are three recognised routes in terms of qualifying as a Paralegal as follows:

• Institute of Paralegals qualifying route: 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: 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 and attributes

• Demonstrates ability and willingness to:

  • work to deadlines

  • to cope under pressure

  • prioritise work-loads effectively

  • 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.

• Demonstrates a pro-active approach to work and clients.

• Demonstrates a positive attitude.

• Good IT skills in relevant packages.

• Keeps up with Fee Earner’s work production.

• Legal background with preferably some property experience.

• Provides good customer care, responsiveness and attention to client service.

• Provides good levels of initiative and willingness to take on responsibility.

• Very good accuracy levels.

Essential skills, knowledge and abilities (Competencies)

• Sound training

• Well-developed interpersonal, social and communication skills including an appreciation of the vulnerability of some of our clients, both generally and also specifically at distressing times

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

• Ability to work effectively under pressure

• Computer literate with an ability to develop its use in own functional area

• Enthusiasm and commitment

• A sound knowledge of your responsibilities as a solicitor including in the following areas:

• Rules and principles of professional conduct

• Client care

• Conflicts of interest

• Confidentiality

• Relations with third parties

• Relations with other solicitors

• Specialist area knowledge

• Regulatory and compliance procedures

• Client following

Desirable skills, knowledge and abilities (Competencies)

• Prior knowledge of a case management system

• Good online research skills

Contact us

If you are interested, please send your CV and covering letter to jobs@twmsolicitors.com.

TWM Solicitors (twmsolicitors.com) is an Equal Opportunities Employer.