Paralegal jobs in South Africa

Role: Family/Matrimonial Legal Consultant
Location: Remote work from South Africa
Remuneration: Dependant on experience
Contract particulars: This position is either 4 hours per day or full-time, depending on the needs of NjP Solicitors. You will be contracting with NjP Solicitors through Singularity LPO.

Finding a legal practice that prioritizes well-being and work-life balance can be challenging. Our client, NjP Solicitors, is different from other law firms. They are seeking a tenacious problem solver who always puts clients\' needs first. If you have at least 4 years of professional qualification experience (PQE) and a strong track record in family law and financial remedy, we would love to hear from you.

This position is for a Family/Matrimonial Legal Consultant. You will handle a range of family law services, including financial remedy cases. Reporting directly to NjP\'s Founder, Natalie Moore, you will have the following specific responsibilities:

• Conduct client interviews and provide advice
• Assess legal issues
• Advise clients on costs
• Conduct legal research
• Develop case strategies
• Draft case pleadings
• Gather information from relevant experts
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of clients\' and opposing parties\' cases
• Brief barristers
• Negotiate settlements
• Meet court deadlines
• Initiate legal proceedings
• Make applications to Registrars, District Judges, and Masters
• Maintain confidentiality
• Comply with all legal aid franchising requirements

• Maintain accurate time records and meet targets
• Manage case files
• Handle billing, payment of costs, and file closure
• Follow administrative systems and procedures
• Prepare cases under tight deadlines

• Participate in team meetings
• Attend internal and external training courses
• Stay up to date with law and practice
• Maintain and update Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record to meet annual requirements
• Assess situations from a commercial or business perspective

• Handle Family/Matrimonial matters within your level of experience and expertise
• You will be expected to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all parties while maintaining and developing excellent working relationships. Strong negotiation skills are necessary when dealing with clients and other professionals to achieve desired objectives. You should possess or be willing to learn communication skills to convert client inquiries into retained clients.

You are a fully qualified attorney with a minimum of 5 years of PQE and the ability and confidence to work with little or no supervision. You have extensive experience in various family law matters and are fully capable of handling financial remedy cases and conducting advocacy from start to Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR). You possess tenacity and are willing to challenge current strategies and standards for the greater good of the team, firm, and clients. You are comfortable working autonomously and taking responsibility within the scope of your role.

As a strategic communicator, you always consider the best way to convey information, when and how to say it, and how it aligns with the overall desired outcome for clients. You are capable of delegating tasks and providing supervision as necessary. Customer care is of great importance to you, and you strive for excellence in your work, recognising the significance of continuous improvement over perfectionism. You can work well under pressure, often facing tight deadlines, and effectively prioritise your workload.

You take personal initiative to become more knowledgeable than anyone else, approaching problems as opportunities to learn and grow. With a growth mindset, you are excited about personal and collective development within the firm. You consistently seek strategies to work smarter, embracing technology and innovative ideas.

Family law disputes are emotionally charged for NjP\'s clients and they approach family law differently. They leverage technology and innovation to streamline the entire process, saving clients time and money while providing exceptional legal services. By offering their wealth of knowledge and expertise, along with a friendly and empathetic approach, they empower clients with confidence for their future.

Their team is built on honesty, loyalty, and open communication, where everyone\'s voice is heard. They value individual autonomy and encourage working smarter, not harder. Well-being and achieving work-life balance are paramount. Each team member is valued, supported, and encouraged to be their unique, authentic self within a nurturing environment. They promote transparency and work towards a common vision while supporting individual goals that align with their collective purpose. Mistakes and challenges are seen as opportunities for growth, and they communicate constructively to find resolutions as a team.

They prioritise effective communication and discourage addressing important conversations or issues via email. Instead, they prefer in-person meetings or communication through telephone/Zoom. NjP fosters a comfortable, friendly, and family-focused working environment, where they support one another and maintain professionalism. They do not tolerate office politics or negative discussions about colleagues or clients. They encourage each team member to leverage their strengths, fostering engagement and providing unlimited potential for personal and professional growth. They are a paperless firm that embraces innovation and technology to work smarter. They have clearly defined rules and standards that apply to all, and they promote a non-hierarchical environment.