Paralegal - Transactional Construction - Cambridge

The role

We are looking for a paralegal to join the Projects and Construction Team (part of the wider Corporate and Commercial team) based in our Cambridge office. You will work with Stuart Thompson (Partner), Dominic Jones (Partner), Kate Rushworth (Senior Associate), Lauren Michaelides (Associate), Francesca Bishop (Associate), and other members of the team, undertaking a broad range of tasks on transactional construction projects. 

The work will include but not be limited to:

• Assisting with appointments, novation agreements, letters of reliance, collateral warranties and building contracts (including reviewing, drafting/amending, negotiation and finalising) .
• Client liaison (including support to senior lawyers with hosting and chairing of client meetings).
• Drafting letters (including letters of claim), memos and attendance notes.
• Creating signature compiled originals and arranging for these to be sent to client/other parties.
• Reviewing and collating conditions precedent documentation and updating matter trackers.
• Collating large numbers of documents both in paper format and e-format.
• Preparing documents using agreed standards and precedents.
• Engrossing final documents.

You may also be asked to do the following, if client/team demands require

• Undertaking legal or other research.
• Assisting with due diligence.
• Carrying out disclosure exercises.

Who will I be working with?

Working under close supervision, you will have diverse and interesting work within this team. which is primarily based in Cambridge. The wider construction team has members based in Birmingham, London, Oxford and Manchester.

What skills and attributes would I need?

• Ideally have prior work experience as a paralegal/legal assistant.  
• Good document management skills and organisation.
• Excellent written English and ability to produce clear, logical drafting.
• Attention to detail and good time 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.
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills (whether liaising with clients or internally within the team and firm).
• Good IT skills.
• Flexible in approach.
• Hard working and pro-active attitude.

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 for a role, we will conduct pre-employment screening that includes, but is not limited to, a basic DBS check, right to work check, any disciplinary history recorded with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role.  A full policy of the screening the firm undertakes is available on request.

Disclosure and barring service check

This post is also subject to a satisfactory response from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (to check for any previous criminal convictions and cautions) 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.