Paralegal

Farrer & Co

Jan 16

Job
Full-time
Junior Level
Legal
London

AI generated summary

You must be proactive, organized, adaptable, and detail-oriented. Strong communication skills, legal experience, and a law degree are preferred. Flexibility in hours and office presence is essential.
You will draft legal updates, conduct research, assist with articles and presentations, manage meetings, maintain databases, and provide administrative support to the Property Department.

Requirements

Proactive team player and supportive colleague, with an enthusiastic manner, who takes a flexible, ‘can-do’ approach to work.
Confident in working autonomously/independently to meet deadlines.
Meticulous and well organised.
Adaptable and open to change, with a strong sense of responsibility.
Possesses a highly proactive and innovative approach to problem solving.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Self-starting approach to tasks and projects and ability to work on own initiative.
Ability to accurately follow complex procedures and instructions.
Strong attention to detail.
Confident in working with or learning to use software and tech (eg Powerpoint, Excel, Panopto, precedent database, Orbital Witness).
Previous experience in a Paralegal or Legal Assistant position with a Property focus would be helpful.
Strong academic background.
Law degree or equivalent qualification would be preferred.
The normal hours of work are 9.30am – 5.30pm but it is essential to be committed, flexible and prepared to work beyond the normal office hours when necessary and in response to client 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 open to flexible working by arrangement, we are able to consider 0.8 or full time applications for this position.
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.
Farrer & Co conducts a pre-employment screening which includes a Criminal History Background and Credit Check for successful candidates.

Responsibilities

Drafting the content for the monthly legal updates for the Property Department.
Attending relevant webinars (given by external training providers, industry bodies, barristers’ chambers etc), making notes and presenting issues to the relevant team.
Assisting in the preparation of articles (carrying out research and writing first drafts).
Conducting research into legal issues raised by Knowledge Lawyers or fee earners, and presenting information orally or in writing.
Producing summaries of topical articles in industry press.
Assisting in the preparation of marketing brochures for the Property Department.
Supporting the Knowledge Lawyers with internal and external seminars, and preparing draft presentations (Powerpoint slides and presentation notes and scripts).
Giving presentations on recent cases or topical issues at monthly commercial property practice points sessions and rural and residential team meetings, and preparing minutes.
Managing internal and external seminars and Knowledge meetings (including managing diaries and bookings, managing training schedule spreadsheets, paying invoices).
Assisting the Knowledge Lawyers with the monthly Searchflow meetings, taking minutes and assisting with any follow up actions.
Assisting the Knowledge Lawyers with the monthly Land Registry account manager meetings, taking minutes and assisting with any follow up actions.
Attending the weekly knowhow catch up meetings between the Knowledge representatives for the three Property teams, preparing the agenda, taking minutes and assisting with any follow up actions.
Attending the monthly Knowledge Forum meetings for the Knowledge Lawyers, and assisting with follow up actions.
Attending firmwide working group meetings (such as the ESG working group meeting and the Property Investors & Developers meeting) and taking minutes.
Becoming a system expert on Panopto, recording internal/external seminars, editing recordings and uploading with seminar materials.
Assisting with the maintenance of the precedent database and updating precedents for the Property department as and when required. Conducting periodic reviews to ensure that the information contained in the precedent database is still correct and relevant.
Assisting with the design and maintenance of the Property Department’s intranet pages. Creating content and ensuring information is kept up to date.
Providing administrative support with tech projects as they arise.
Becoming a system expert on Orbital Witness (a property due diligence platform), supporting fee earners and PAs using the system.
Assisting with the arrangements for the Property Department’s annual re-accreditation with the Conveyancing Quality Scheme, including arranging training for the relevant fee earners.
Providing administrative support with the Property Department’s resources and training budgets.
Providing paralegal support on team and firmwide projects.
Providing wider support and assistance to the Property Department, in particular during busy periods or periods of absence as and when required (for example, assisting in picking up calls, copying, administrative tasks including file closing and general team support).

FAQs

What is the primary role of the Paralegal at Farrer & Co?

The primary role of the Paralegal at Farrer & Co is to provide paralegal and administrative support to the Knowledge Lawyers in the Property Department.

What are the normal working hours for this position?

The normal hours of work are 9.30am to 5.30pm, but flexibility is essential, and there may be a need to work beyond these hours in response to client demands.

Is there an option for flexible working arrangements?

Yes, Farrer & Co is open to flexible working by arrangement and can consider both 0.8 and full-time applications for this position.

What qualifications are preferred for this role?

A law degree or equivalent qualification is preferred, along with previous experience in a Paralegal or Legal Assistant position with a Property focus.

Will I need to attend seminars or webinars as part of this role?

Yes, attending relevant webinars and seminars is part of the responsibilities, including making notes and presenting issues to the relevant team.

Is prior experience in property law required?

While previous experience in a Paralegal or Legal Assistant position with a Property focus would be helpful, it is not explicitly required.

What software skills are necessary for this position?

Candidates should be confident in using software and technology such as PowerPoint, Excel, Panopto, the precedent database, and Orbital Witness.

What is the firm's policy on diversity and inclusion?

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

Are there potential opportunities for professional development in this role?

Yes, the role involves assisting in the preparation of articles and presentations, as well as engaging in ongoing training and development initiatives within the Property Department.

What type of administrative support will I provide?

Administrative support includes managing seminar arrangements, maintaining the precedent database, handling training schedules, and providing general assistance during busy periods.

Farrer & Co

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.