Paralegal - Commercial

The role

The Commercial team (part of the wider Mills & Reeve Corporate and Commercial NSL) is looking for a paralegal who is interested in working in Commercial Law, particularly on supporting large-scale IT and technology projects.  Work will largely involve acting on critical and often high-profile IT and technology contracts for the NHS and other public sector organisations, which take many months to put together, negotiate and conclude. 

We are looking for someone to be based in our Cambridge office but some remote/flexible working may be possible.

Who will I be working with?

You will report to  Sophie Burton-Jones, a principal associate based in our Cambridge office who specialises in IT and technology work, but you may also undertake work for other members of Commercial, in particular those working in our national Technology team (and who may be based in Birmingham, Cambridge, Norwich, London, Manchester and/or Leeds).

The activities

Working under close supervision, you will be asked to undertake a broad range of tasks including: attending meetings with clients (which may be in person and/or virtual); taking notes; compiling and maintaining issues lists and ensuring actions are followed-up/carried out; drafting documents; carrying out administrative tasks and research and generally providing assistance as and where necessary to progress our work on major projects.

You will provide quality client care by: observing the firm’s systems, procedures and professional standards; ensuring that all your work is checked by your supervisor and maintaining the good reputation of the firm by meeting clients’ expectations.

You will work with others to contribute to a harmonious office environment by supporting your supervisor, working with support staff and participating in team initiatives when required.

You will manage work to achieve maximum productivity by planning and organising your work, recording time using the firm’s time recording system and using the wider information systems effectively.

Finally, you will take responsibility for your own personal and professional development by suggesting any training or new skills which you feel would enhance your performance in your role and shall attend training sessions as required.

The person

Some paralegal experience is preferable, but not essential, as training will be provided. It is likely your background and experience will include:

• Good academics – 2.1 law degree or equivalent, or the familiarity with the building blocks of law.
• Excellent written English for drafting purposes.
• Attention to detail.
• Good time and paper management skills.
• Ability to work to deadlines with commitment and enthusiasm
• Ability to build relationships with clients, potential clients and multipliers.
• Listening and questioning skills.
• Negotiating skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills, including ability to work with others, influence, persuade.
• Good research skills, including an ability to use online information sources.
• Good IT skills.
• Flexible in approach.
• Hard working.
• Pro-active.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• An ability to understand the environment that clients work in.
• An ability to assimilate a lot of information quickly and focus on the key issues.
• Good time and file management skills to enable you to juggle multiple matters.
• Dedication to providing outstanding client service.
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• An enthusiasm and willingness to work as part of a team.

Pre-employment screening

Please note that, in the event that we make an offer of employment, we will conduct pre-employment screening that includes checks relating to your professional and academic qualifications, references from previous employers, your eligibility to work in the UK and any disciplinary history recorded with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You will also be required to complete a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability. 

Disclosure and barring service check and security clearance

This post is also subject to a satisfactory response from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (to check for any previous criminal convictions) and, given the nature of the work-type, you may also be required to undergo national security vetting to SC level – the latter can be undertaken following commencement of employment. 

And finally

Mills & Reeve is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment in which all our people can thrive. We hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our firm stronger, and we have a collaborative culture that celebrates different perspectives and values respect for one another, working together, and openness and integrity. Our approach to flexible working means that we work in a way that achieves the right balance for our people, our clients and for our business.