Paralegal

***Please note that this role is fully office-based.***

We are seeking a Paralegal to join our International Protection team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse range of complex matters. The successful candidate will provide high-quality legal and administrative support, helping fee earners progress matters efficiently while delivering excellent client service.

Key Responsibilities

Communication

• Manage correspondence with clients, authorities, courts and tribunals in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality in relation to client matters and firm information.

Client Care & Administration

• Create, maintain and organise electronic and hard copy client files.
• Prepare electronic and hard copy bundles as required.
• Ensure the case management system is kept up to date, with all documents and correspondence filed promptly.
• Complete client questionnaires, court forms, tribunal forms and applications accurately and efficiently.

Drafting

• Draft, under supervision, court pleadings, arbitration submissions, applications and supporting documentation.
• Prepare correspondence, legal advice, research notes, statements and witness statements to a high standard.

Meetings

• Maintain accurate diaries and ensure court deadlines, hearings, tribunal dates and appointments are effectively managed.
• Attend court hearings, tribunals, client meetings, conferences and meetings with Counsel as required.
• Take accurate notes during meetings and calls with clients and external professionals.

Time Recording & Billing

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date time recording across all matters.
• Assist with billing and accounts-related tasks as required.
• Develop and maintain an understanding of the Solicitors Accounts Rules.

Business Development

• Support the firm's business development activities by attending networking events and contributing content for publication on the Gherson website.
• Develop an understanding of the commercial aspects of legal practice and client service.

Professional Standards

• Provide support to colleagues during periods of absence and escalate urgent or complex matters to senior fee earners where appropriate.
• Adhere to all firm policies and procedures, including anti-money laundering, KYC, file opening, complaints handling and accounts procedures.

Training & Development

• Participate in training and development activities as required.
• Take responsibility for ongoing professional development and continuous learning.

About You

Essential

• Minimum of 1 year's paralegal experience gained within a law firm.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Strong attention to detail.
• A proactive and positive approach.
• Excellent client care and interpersonal skills.
• Law degree (or equivalent).

Desirable

• Experience of international arbitration matters and/or proceedings before the High Court.
• Experience of sanctions-related matters.
• Fluency in a second language.
• LPC, SQE, BPC/BPTC or other relevant legal qualification.

Career Development

We are particularly interested in candidates with the potential to build a long-term career with the firm. We welcome applications from individuals who aspire to qualify as solicitors, with future progression opportunities available for the right candidate.

About Gherson

Founded by Roger Gherson in 1988, Gherson Solicitors LLP was first established as a boutique immigration law firm based in London but quickly expanded to specialise also in political asylum and extradition.

Today we are a team of more than 50 multilingual professionals focusing on UK Immigration, International Protection (asylum and extradition), Commercial Litigation & Arbitration, White-Collar Crime and Sanctions.

We are headquartered in London but operate on the global stage. We have an office in Brussels and long-standing relationships with expert counsel around the world. We often act as lead strategic advisors to our clients on their most important matters, assembling teams of hand-picked specialists to achieve the best possible outcomes.

We act for a broad range of clients, both individual and corporate, many of whom seek our advice on the most difficult problems they have ever faced in their personal or professional lives. We excel at working for HNW and UHNW individuals, their families and for the businesses they operate. We act with sensitivity and understanding towards our clients and their needs, offering level-headed and strategic assistance to help them attain their goals whilst protecting their best interests at all times.

Gherson Solicitors LLP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, sexuality, gender identification, or physical ability.