Legal Assistant, Personal Injury

Howells Solicitors; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description

At Howells, we combine a fresh and forward-thinking approach with a client-focused, local feel to deliver a range of award-winning, quality services. This role will involve supporting fee earners with the day-to-day management of personal injury cases, including running the small claims portal, drafting key legal documents, liaising with clients, and assisting with case management. There will also be the potential to take on your own caseload under close supervision, providing a fantastic opportunity for professional development and career progression.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

1. Small Claims Portal Management: Run and manage the small claims portal, ensuring compliance with all necessary procedures and deadlines.
2. Case Support: Assist fee earners with the efficient management of their caseloads of personal injury and clinical negligence claims.
3. Drafting Legal Documents: Prepare and draft Claim Notification Forms, witness statements, instructions to counsel, briefs to counsel, instructions to medical experts, Schedules of Loss, and other court documents.
4. Medical Records Review: Review and analyse medical records to assist fee earners in building and progressing cases.
5. Bundle Preparation: Organise and prepare bundles of documents for hearings and trials.
6. Client Liaison: Communicate with clients where necessary, ensuring that their queries are addressed and that they are kept informed about the progress of their cases.
7. Legal Research: Conduct legal research to support fee earners in case preparation and strategy.
8. Time Management: Prioritise tasks effectively, working efficiently to meet deadlines.
9. File Management: Maintain strong and accurate file management, ensuring all documents are properly organised and up-to-date.
10. Caseload Management (with Supervision): Under close supervision, take on the management of your own caseload of personal injury cases, developing the skills to independently handle matters from start to finish.
11. Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as directed by your line manager or Director.

What We’re Looking For

1. Experience: Prior experience or understanding of personal injury and clinical negligence law is highly desirable, particularly in managing small claims portal cases.
2. Drafting Skills: Strong drafting skills with experience in preparing legal documents such as witness statements, court documents, schedules of loss, and briefs/instructions to counsel.
3. Attention to Detail: Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work with a high level of accuracy in all aspects of case management.
4. Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with clients, counsel, medical experts, and other stakeholders.
5. Organisational Skills: Exceptional organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage a busy workload.
6. Legal Research: Familiarity with conducting legal research and applying findings to case strategy.
7. Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively within a team and support fee earners in a fast-paced legal environment.

What You’ll Receive

1. Competitive Salary
2. Annual Leave: Enjoy a minimum of 23 days each holiday year, plus bank holidays and extra time off to unwind, including an additional personal day, a day off for your birthday, and a discretionary paid day during the Christmas break.
3. Annual Leave Purchase Scheme: Option to buy up to 3 extra days of leave annually to support your work-life balance.
4. Gym Discounts: Access discounted memberships to help you stay active and healthy.
5. Growth & Development: We’re invested in your career with opportunities for learning and advancement.
6. Milestone Recognition: Celebrate your dedication with recognition and awards for key milestones.
7. Events: Take part in various networking, corporate, and charity events throughout the year.
8. Refer a Friend Scheme: Get rewarded for referring talented friends and connections to join the team.

Apply Now

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email [e-mail]

Successful candidates will be subject to a basic or enhanced DBS disclosure dependent on the role. Permanent employment is conditional on having a satisfactory DBS check. You will therefore be asked to disclose any unspent convictions during the recruitment process.