Paralegal - French Legal Services, Bury St Edmunds

We are looking for a French speaking Paralegal to join us to provide Paralegal support to our fee earners in the French Legal team, as well as managing your own caseload.

What you will be doing:

• Drafting legal documentation, including Wills and legal opinions
• Taking on responsibility for much of the day to day running of appropriate property related matters
• Chase / liaise with clients and other parties, such as Estate Agents, for key information if necessary
• Liaising with clients and dealing with queries as appropriate and arranging appointments as appropriate
• Undertake and assist with report writing in relation to properties for clients
• Prepare forms and paperwork as necessary
• Maintaining direct contact with own clients and those with other lawyers, including face to face meetings, telephone calls, emails and letters.
• Use legal knowledge and skills to take instructions from clients and provide reasoned and considered advice, specific to the particular needs of the clients
• Dealing with new enquiries from potential clients
• Prepare forms
• Schedule all key dates and reminders on case management system
• Check to-do list daily and action/notify fee earner
• Use initiative to progress matters as appropriate
• Organise instructions
• Other casework assistance as requested
• Take instructions and / or messages from clients
• Maintain an efficient diary system using outlook/case management system highlighting milestone dates on each matter.
• Discuss issues within the team in order to develop self and others within the team

 Knowledge, skills and experience required 

• High level of fluency in both spoken and written French and English is essential
• Experience of French law and English law is preferred
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate by telephone or face to face with internal and external clients
• Ability to listen and explain legal concepts to clients with clarity
• Good organisational skills
• Time management skills
• Strong team playing skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Methodical approach
• Courteous and efficient telephone manner
• Well-developed communication and inter-personal skills
• Ability to display empathy to clients
• Flexible approach, working with other members of the team when necessary