Lead Paralegal

DWF; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is seeking an experienced Lead Paralegal to join our Legal Recoveries Team in Leeds. You will manage a varied caseload, covering pre-action through to enforcement, and contribute to the development of two to three Paralegals.

This role sits within our centralised Recoveries Department and offers progression opportunities, with a hybrid working model based in our Leeds office.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules and enforcement processes.
• Experience with Pre-Action Protocol, Claims and Enforcement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload from pre-action through to enforcement.
• Provide line management and development of two to three Paralegals.
• Deliver high-quality client work and act as a source of technical knowledge within the team.
• Support bid development cycles and contribute to team performance.
• Engage in performance reviews and CSR commitments.

Skills

Civil Procedure Rules

Pre-Action Protocol

Enforcement

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Job description

Why join us? We are looking for an experienced Lead Paralegal to join our Legal Recoveries Team. In this role, you will manage a varied caseload involving the recovery of client debt from pre-action through to enforcement. Your work will include both routine matters and more complex, higher-value cases, alongside direct line management and development of two to three Paralegals within the legal team. The Legal Team is one of three business units within our centralised Recoveries Department and currently forms part of DWF’s Commercial Services Practice Group. This role offers strong progression opportunities and is ideal for a motivated, enthusiastic candidate who wants to build on their experience and develop their career in legal recoveries. The role is based in our Leeds office and will primarily follow a hybrid working model.

Responsibilities

• Understand relevant client strategies and ensure they are applied to cases and projects.
• Achieve individual KPIs and contribute strongly to team performance, including financial and non-financial measures where applicable.
• Apply your expertise to deliver high-quality client work and act as a source of technical knowledge within the team.
• Research solutions to case or project issues to further develop your technical knowledge.
• Support team revenue through existing business activity and by developing your professional network.
• Contribute to bid development cycles where appropriate.
• Suggest and implement ideas that improve ways of working and challenge current practices.
• Take a proactive approach to problem-solving by identifying potential issues and practical solutions that add value to each case or project.
• Engage fully in the Firm’s Performance Review cycle.
• Support the training and development of junior team members, acting as a go-to subject matter expert.
• Demonstrate the Firm’s Winning Behaviours and show commitment to its values and CSR agenda.

What will help you succeed in this role?

• Strong knowledge and practical application of the Civil Procedure Rules.
• Experience with the Pre-Action Protocol, Claims, Judgments and Enforcement.
• Knowledge of enforcement methods and the ability to advise clients on their appropriate use.
• Proven success in delivering financial results and high-quality client service.
• Strong IT skills, including confident use of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to analyse information carefully.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and a clear understanding of client needs.
• Ability to communicate scope and progress clearly to clients throughout each matter.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF. We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, you may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About Us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.