Paralegal - Team 9

Confidential; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Keoghs is seeking a dedicated paralegal or graduate to assist experienced litigators in progressing files across discovery, analysis of quantum evidence, and trial preparation. You will liaise with counsel, third party experts and clients while maintaining case management discipline and meeting financial hygiene targets.

Ideal candidates possess a law degree and strong communication, research and IT skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a busy litigation

Qualifications

• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication.
• Ability to prioritise work, keep to deadlines and work under pressure.
• Excellent research skills and strong analytical thinking.
• High level of IT skills and familiarity with case management systems.
• Ability to adapt communication style for clients and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Assist Qualified Solicitors with caseloads to progress matters for client benefit.
• Draft pleadings and review discoverable material to progress discovery.
• Conduct legal research and analyse case law and procedural nuances.
• Take informal and formal witness statements and assist with investigations.
• Support trial preparation, including bundles and witness preparation.
• Prepare quantum evidence analyses, chronologies and reserve calculations.
• Instruct Counsel and medico-legal experts with briefs and instructions.
• Manage daily task lists, deadlines and service level agreements.
• Utilise Case Management system for effective supervision and reporting.

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