Paralegal - Specialist Liability - Newport - DAC Beachcroft LLP

Description

Paralegal - Specialist Liability

Department: CSG - Strategic (Advocacy / Costs / Safety, Health and Environment / Criminal / Abuse / Travel)

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Newport

Description

DAC Beachcroft is looking to appoint a Paralegal to join our Claims Solutions Group (CSG) Specialist Liability team. The successful candidate will be expected to attend the office when required.

The Specialist Liability team acts for a number of leading names in the insurance industry as well as large public sector organisations and household name corporates in the defence of claims brought against them.

We specialise in complex claims involving abuse, the HRA, discrimination and Equality Act claims, deprivations of liberty, misfeasance and other linked areas. We act for a range of Local Authorities as well as the Police, Housing and Residential Care providers, Specialist healthcare providers, Schools, Colleges, Universities and household name corporates.

Much of the work involved is pre-litigant and involves giving detailed pre-emptive advice on relevant issues to clients and subsequent defence to trial.

What you will do?

The purpose of this role is to assist the Specialist Liability team, primarily the defence of abuse and Police claims. There may be an opportunity to run some lower value claims under supervision.

Day to day responsibilities will include:

• Drafting of chronologies, statements and court documents;
• Assisting with disclosure of sensitive documentation to include redaction;
• Ensuring appropriate key dates reminders are in place on all matters;
• Ensuring that a timetable exists to enable the progression of the case to resolution;
• Maintaining internal and external case management documents;
• Recording timely and accurate management information;
• Maintaining an awareness of the firm's strategies and plans;
• Corresponding and communicating with the client, third parties and claimants' solicitors to ensure the progression of the case to resolution;
• Attending upon Trials and Applications (with Counsel);
• Complying with internal and external service level agreements;
• Handling confidential information in line with the firm's data security protocols;
• Developing technical knowledge through completing online courses, attending training sessions and reading appropriate publications;
• Liaising with accounts on billing queries;
• Supporting marketing and business development activity within the team;
• Achieving a minimum budgeted annual target of 1,440 chargeable hours per year;
• Meeting individual financial targets.

This position is ideal for someone who would like the opportunity to grow and develop in the role. Initial responsibilities will involve document collation and indexing as well as drafting chronologies for big cases. As you develop an understanding of the law and underlying documents, there will be increased file handling. Full training will be given throughout by specialist and highly rated partners and other lawyers.

Who you are

Essential:

• A keen interest and enthusiasm in Specialist Liability work and particularly high value, complex and sensitive cases;
• Excellent organisational and IT skills to produce and manage complex documentation;
• Detail conscious and able to produce work to a high standard for demanding clients;
• The ability to dig into document heavy and complex cases in order to extract relevant evidence and data;
• A sympathy and empathy for the public sector who comprise a large number of our clients;
• A team player with a flexible and self-motivated approach;
• Able to work on own initiative as well as to work with and learn from supervisors and other members of the department.

Desirable:

• Good commercial awareness;
• Able to work under pressure to meet required deadlines occasionally meaning that work will have to be undertaken outside core hours;
• Experience of working in a target driven commercial environment would be an advantage;
• Whilst previous experience of dealing with Specialist Liability claims would be helpful, it is not essential - we are looking for the right person and will provide training.

What's in it for you?

• High levels of flexibility and a great work life balance -
• A well-rounded remuneration package (which includes private medical insurance, income protection insurance and discounted gym membership, amongst many other benefits)
• Opportunities for growth and progression including professional funding
• In person and remote social events
• Opportunity to get involved in a range of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, which aligns closely to our cultural principles (Determined, Clear, Creative and Supportive). If you are excited about this role and being part of our culture, but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles