Paralegal/ Executive Officer

Vanrath are pleased to be recruiting for a Paralegal/ Executive Officer role on behalf of a public sector body within the Dundonald area on a temporary ongoing basis.

What’s in it for you?

• 36 hours Monday – Friday
• Temp, ongoing
• Up to £12.94 per hour
• 28 days AL

About your next employer
The purpose of this role is to act as Personal Assistant to a Solicitor within public body Solicitors, you will assist with commercial property matters and the investigation and defence of informal and formal complaints / legal proceedings against the public body and/or controlled schools. To also undertake such other duties relevant to the public body Solicitors as may be reasonably required from time to time.

What you’ll do
To act as Personal Assistant to the Solicitor

• To provide P.A. support to the Solicitor, always ensure strictest confidentiality and diplomacy, make and take calls on behalf of the Solicitor, and maintain a personal and office diary, ensuring compatibility.
• Check and prioritise mail.
• Co-ordinate and administer work of Solicitor in their absence, regarding conveyancing/ property matters, employment law cases, litigation, tribunals (including SENDIST), judicial reviews and on-going legal matters.
• Ensure the timely provision of advice and information to internal and external clients, regarding meeting strict deadlines.
• To draft and prepare routine correspondence and reports, collate information and prepare and update statistical information.
• Arrange meetings, consultations, Tribunal hearings, Court appearances and talks/conferences. Arrange alternative cover in Solicitor's absence.

Commercial Property.

• To assist the Solicitors in preparing Title Reports and Title Packs and by applying for Property Certificates and Property Searches to establish ownership.
• To assist the Solicitors in the preparation of: Contracts for Sale, Conveyancing Documents, Completion of Pre-Contract Enquiries.
• To assist the Solicitors in ensuring documentation is presented for Stamping and Registration within prescribed legal times.
• To accurately Schedule and return/ receipt Title Documents to and from the Headquarters and to third party solicitors.

Investigation and Defence of Formal and Informal Complaints / Legal Proceedings against the public body /Schools

• To assist the Solicitor or any other solicitor within public body Solicitors in the investigation and defence of formal and informal complaints/proceedings referred from the public body Directorates /Schools.
• To adhere to strict deadlines to ensure statutory time limits are met.
• To assist in the process of appeals against Tribunal / Court decisions
• To assist in the collation and indexing of discoverable documentation, Court / Tribunal bundles etc.
• Assist with the drafting and response of Notices of Appearances, Notices for Additional Information, Notices for Discovery etc.
• To maintain effective communication and co-operations with relevant persons including public body Officers, Boards of Governors, Counsel, Witnesses and outside Agencies to ensure quality service delivered.
• To assist with preparation and collation of Counsel's papers and arrange for delivery of same.
• To prepare documentation for hearings and apply for Witness Summons.
• To attend consultations and hearings (as required) in order to provide verbatim report on proceedings.
• To administer payment of Counsel's fees.

Judicial Reviews

• To assist the Solicitor or any other pubic body Solicitor by liaising with Transfer Officers, Tribunal members and Counsel to arrange for compilation and forwarding of relevant information.
• To arrange consultations and prepare necessary documentation.
• Prepare Affidavits as drafted by Counsel and arrange for swearing of same by Tribunal member and external Solicitors.
• Requisitioning of cheques in accordance with appropriate fees, lodge official documentation at Court and return all original documentation to public body Regions.

About you
A minimum of five GCSE's (Grades A*-C) including English and Maths or equivalent or higher examinations
AND
Have either a minimum of two years’ experience in a paid capacity providing administrative support which must include the following:

• Using Microsoft Word (to process letters, memos, reports etc.);
• Using Microsoft Outlook (to send/receive e-mails)
• Drafting correspondence
• Diary Management; and
• Maintaining Records.

In addition to the above, you must also be able to demonstrate at an interview the under-noted knowledge, skills and personal qualities:

• Knowledge of Legal work
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to successfully plan, prioritise and manage the work of yourself and others within required timescales
• Proven ability to demonstrate initiative, work flexibly and resolve complex matters with minimal direction and supervision.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain good working relationships at a range of levels including senior management level.
• Proven ability to exercise discretion in dealing with confidential or sensitive matters.

IND02

To apply today contact Leanne Garrett in the strictest confidence.