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Knowledge Lawyer

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Legal
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You need legal drafting skills, KM systems experience, strong research abilities, excellent organization, and communication skills, with at least 3 years PQE and a proactive approach.
  • You will enhance legal documents, support fee earners, update knowledge resources, coordinate training, and stay informed on legal developments while promoting knowledge sharing within the team.

Requirements

  • Legal Drafting
  • Word and PowerPoint.
  • Intranet/extranet content management and editing.
  • KM systems/knowledge databases.
  • Online research resources.
  • Laserform/electronic forms software.
  • Excellent organisational skills.
  • Strong academic background.
  • To be proactive in seeking out thought-leadership ideas, whether to improve ways of working or as regards to business development initiatives.
  • Self-starting approach to tasks and projects and ability to work on own initiative.
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills – an ability to interact with people at all levels.
  • Good communication and project management skills, including an ability to persuade, present, write and precisely.
  • Research skills (using hard and online source materials).
  • Sound relevant experience gained within a respected private client team.
  • The successful candidate is likely to have at least 3 years PQE experience.
  • PSL experience helpful but not essential.
  • Happy to talk flexibly. This role is suitable for individuals looking to work 0.4 to 0.6 FTE across any working pattern. Flexible working patterns will be considered within the firm’s agile working framework.
  • Standard office hours are 09.30 to 17.30 Monday to Friday, but it is essential that the applicant is committed, flexible and prepared to work beyond the normal office hours when necessary and in response to demand.
  • Farrer & Co operates an agile working framework under which members of the firm are expected to spend at least 40% of their working hours in the office. This is a minimum expectation: individuals may elect or be asked or expected to work more frequently in the office, depending on circumstance.
  • Farrer & Co is an equal opportunity employer which welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We look to employ the best candidates regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.
  • We are keen to ensure candidates have the best interview experience possible. If you require any adjustments during the interview or application process please let the recruitment team know.
  • Farrer & Co conducts a pre-employment screening which consists of a Criminal History Background and Credit Check for successful candidates.

Responsibilities

  • The role will involve working with the Senior Counsel and Knowledge Lawyer to work dynamically to provide tailored knowledge support in line with the changing needs of the team and market. The role would include the following responsibilities.
  • Improve and maintain (and, where relevant, develop) the specialist precedents, standard form documents and example documents relevant to the CTE team.
  • Work alongside the other Knowledge Lawyers in the Litigation and PC departments where precedents and guidance etc might be of wider relevance and application.
  • Develop and maintain related guidance notes.
  • Keep precedents, example and standard form documents and guidance notes up to date, including ensuring that the relevant section of the intranet and knowledge database is maintained and kept up to date.
  • To assist with and, where required, undertake compliance related work liaising with the firm’s Risk & Compliance department as necessary.
  • Ensure fee earners’ knowledge of the KM content and systems is up to date and manage and promote the use of those systems accordingly.
  • Consider, and if advised, assist to implement any additional tools, technology solutions or platforms which might assist the fee earners.
  • Work with the Library to ensure that the CTE team has access to the legal information resources it needs, inputting into the Research Resources budgeting process as required.
  • Update and expand the CTE know how material available on the intranet and the firm’s know how database.
  • Provide a support base for the fee earners and encourage the sharing of knowledge within the group and firm.
  • Keep the team up to date with the latest developments (including legislative and case law developments and the progress of draft legislation).
  • To keep up to date on financial, economic and market forces which might apply and have relevance to the work and business of the team and wider department.
  • Write periodic bulletins for circulation to intermediaries and clients.
  • To be fully conversant with the department’s (and firm’s) BD strategy and business plan and actively work with the relevant BD Managers in meeting the objectives of the plans.
  • Work with team members to write articles for publication and liaise with and build contacts with the editorial teams of relevant publications where possible.
  • Coordinate matter debriefs within the team where appropriate.
  • As appropriate, actively examine and promote the use of technology to improve the team’s client service and business development.
  • Play an active part in the relevant Knowledge Lawyer network (APSL and COLAB), liaising with key Knowledge Lawyers in the field and assessing viability of relevant developments.
  • Liaise with KL&D in connection with the firm-wide provision of training to ensure the needs of the CTE team are met.
  • Design, organise (and where necessary deliver) internal training programmes (including trainee training), including organising external speakers where appropriate.
  • Work with team members to plan and deliver seminars to intermediaries/clients and/or similar events.
  • Liaise with the Knowledge Partners to prepare and manage the team training budget in conjunction with KL&D.
  • Provide input and leadership to the induction training of trainees and other new joiners to the team.
  • Liaise with other Knowledge Lawyers and wider knowledge community within the firm to ensure the team shares and gains best practice, and in particular, operates effectively on a departmental level. Attends internal monthly Knowledge Forum meetings.

FAQs

What is the main focus of the Knowledge Lawyer role at Farrer & Co?

The main focus of the Knowledge Lawyer role is to provide professional and technical legal support to fee-earners and clients within the Contentious Trusts and Estates (CTE) team, improving knowledge and learning support for the practice.

What qualifications are required for this position?

The successful candidate is likely to have at least 3 years PQE experience within a respected private client team. While PSL experience is helpful, it is not essential.

What skills are essential for the Knowledge Lawyer role?

Essential skills include legal drafting, proficiency in Word and PowerPoint, knowledge of KM systems and knowledge databases, online research skills, and strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.

Is there flexibility in working hours for this position?

Yes, the role is suitable for individuals looking to work 0.4 to 0.6 FTE across any working pattern, and flexible working arrangements will be considered within the firm’s agile working framework.

What are the core responsibilities of the Knowledge Lawyer?

The core responsibilities include maintaining and developing standard forms and precedents, managing knowledge resources and systems, providing legal updates, conducting training and seminars, and supporting the business development strategy of the team.

What kind of experience is beneficial for this role?

Sound relevant experience gained in a private client team is beneficial, particularly in contentious trusts and estates, and any prior experience as a Knowledge Lawyer or Professional Support Lawyer is advantageous but not required.

How does Farrer & Co promote inclusivity in its hiring process?

Farrer & Co is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, aiming to employ the best candidates regardless of various protected characteristics.

What kind of support is provided for training and seminars?

The Knowledge Lawyer will liaise with KL&D to ensure training needs are met, design and deliver internal training programs, and organize seminars for intermediaries and clients.

Are there any specific technological tools that the Knowledge Lawyer will need to utilize?

Yes, the role may involve the use of KM systems, knowledge databases, Laserform/electronic forms software, and other relevant management tools and technology solutions.

What is the office working expectation under the firm's agile working framework?

Farrer & Co expects members to spend at least 40% of their working hours in the office, though individuals may be asked to work more frequently depending on circumstances.

Law
Industry
201-500
Employees
1701
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Farrer & Co is synonymous with the highest quality legal advice and service. We advise individuals, families, businesses, financial services, educational and not-for-profit organisations on every aspect of the law, wherever the need arises. From our offices in London we work with trusted professionals around the world to deliver a seamless international service. Our clients present us with complex and varied challenges. Whether that's a complicated family trust issue, a multinational corporate transaction, or an emerging threat to their reputation, they need clear thinkers who can advise on the best solutions, fast thinkers when speed is of the essence and agile thinkers who can produce a fresh approach to get the job done. That's why they choose us. Our clients value our in-depth knowledge, technical excellence and diversity of disciplines. But what really binds our long-standing relationships with them is our approach: pragmatic, plain speaking and always steadfast in our values, which we hold dear. Values which mean we gain our clients'​ trust, always strive to do the right thing, and aim for the best results for them. Superb client service sits at the heart of everything we do. We are modern lawyers with timeless values.