Paralegal - Team 6

Confidential; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Keoghs is seeking a paralegal or graduate with a Law Degree to support experienced litigated file handlers and Qualified Solicitors in progression of matters. The role involves discovery, quantum analysis, and trial preparation, with a target of 5 chargeable hours per day.

The successful candidate will work within a team, communicate with clients and third parties, and develop essential legal skills including research and case management.

Qualifications

• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication.
• Ability to prioritise work, keep to deadlines and work under pressure.
• Excellent research skills and strong analytical abilities.
• Proficiency with IT and case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist Qualified Solicitors with caseloads in an insurance defence litigation context.
• Draft pleadings and review discoverable material to progress files.
• Conduct legal research and analyse case law and procedural nuances.
• Take statements from witnesses and manage investigations as needed.
• Assist with trial preparation, including trial bundles and witness preparation.
• Instruct Counsel and medico-legal experts, and prepare briefs and letters of instruction.
• Maintain daily task lists, deadlines, and adherence to SLAs.
• Utilise Case Management system for effective supervision and progression of files.

Skills

Excellent communication

Research skills

Analytical skills

IT skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Law Degree

Job description

To work alongside experienced litigated file handlers and qualified Solicitors to assist with progression of matters,including discovery,analysis of quantum evidence,liaising with counsel and third party experts,trial preparation and legal research.
This role will suit not only experienced paralegals but also graduates seeking to gain vital legal experience with the aim of progressing their legal career including attending ILPS.
To achieve a financial target of 5 chargeable hours per day.

Key Responsibilities

• Work within an insurance defence litigation specialist area, assisting Qualified Solicitors with caseloads in order to pursue completion of files in line with client instruction to the commercial benefit of Keoghs.
• Communicate, build and utilize relationships with colleagues, clients and third parties in a professional and knowledgeable manner; including all methods of communication: in person, over the phone and written
• Progressing discovery matters by drafting the appropriate pleadings and thoroughly reviewing all discoverable material;
• Carrying out legal research, reviewing evolving case law and procedural nuances of certain claims;
• Assisting with investigation matters by taking both informal and formal statements from witnesses;
• Assisting with trial preparation with compiling trial bundles and helping both clients and witnesses prepare to testify at trial;
• Compiling an in-depth analysis of quantum evidence which includes preparing chronologies and identifying anomalies across various sources of evidence to include Hospital and GP notes but also medico-legal reports to assist the lead file handler with reserves calculations;
• Instructing Counsel and medico-legal experts by compiling briefs and letters of instruction;
• Daily task list management including prioritisation and managing deadlines;
• Work to and maintain Service Level Agreements;
• Work well within the team, act as a role model for Keoghs Values.
• To fully utilise the Case Management system for efficient supervision and progression of files, ensuring that all cases are properly managed and tracked, to ensure completeness of records and to ensure accurate reporting of information to our clients.

To adhere to Keoghs' financial hygiene practices through the financial Case Management system, ensuring that all financial aspects relating to cases are handled accurately.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Law Degree
• No previous experience is necessary
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication
• Ability to prioritise work, keep to deadlines and work under pressure
• Ability to work to agreed targets and service level agreements
• Excellent research skills
• High level of analytical skills
• Excellent IT skills
• Behaviours - displays a positive and professional attitude towards their work and colleagues in line with Keoghs Shared Behaviours
• Communication - ability to adapt communication style to ensure a mutual understanding is achieved both with customers and colleagues
• Planning & Organisation - ability to structure, manage and prioritise workload accordingly
• Adaptability - ability to adapt to different situations and tasks, whilst maintaining quality and service