Applications for this job are now closed
The Commercial Property team is looking for a Paralegal to assist with their caseload which has increased due to developing new relationships with agents and developers.
The team is expanding and is currently made up of a Partner, two Senior Associates, an Associate, one Trainee Solicitor, one Senior Paralegal, two Paralegals and two Senior Legal Secretaries. In joining the team, you would be assisting the solicitors with their matters as well as running your own caseload under supervision.
Career progression and development opportunities are encouraged and considered.
The role
Our work mainly consists of acquisition/disposal of commercial property, the sale/purchase of buy to let properties, advising commercial tenants/landlords in leasehold matters, and acting on behalf of developers in site acquisitions, development loans and bridging loans.
Fee-earning work
- Providing estimates for new enquiries.
- Exercising high standards of client care in a professional and pleasant manner.
- Undertaking certain elements of fee-earning work under supervision which will include:
- Interviewing clients, receiving and taking instructions, drafting reports, keeping detailed file notes of instructions received and of advice given and of any other attendances upon clients and other parties.
- Drafting of contract documentation, obtaining documents from the Land Registry and collating documents to include in the contract pack.
- Ordering all necessary searches as directed by the fee earner.
- Preparation and submission of Stamp Duty Land Transaction Returns or Land Transaction Tax.
- Preparation and submission of applications to the Land Registry and promptly dealing with any requisitions raised.
- Drafting lease reports, search reports, mortgage reports, report on title and any other reports which may be required.
- Reporting to clients and mortgage lenders with completed registration documentation and deeds.
- Dealing with routine client enquiries, communications and requests from clients, agents, other lawyers and mortgage lenders/brokers.
- Maintaining file check lists.
- Assisting fee earners with research.
- Checking and closing files.
- Dealing with communications promptly.
- Maintaining an adequate and up-to-date knowledge of the law and practice.
- Checking all draft documents.
- Notifying a Partner/Head of Department as to any complaints received.
- Ensuring the confidentiality and security of all documentation and information.
- Complying with the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules, the SRA, the CML handbook and the Law Society Conveyancing Protocol.
- Maintaining clear and precise communications with other personnel of the firm.
- Ensuring good working relationships with external institutions and organisations.
- Responding promptly and accurately to requests for information concerning case work from Partners, supervisors and fee earners.
- Taking a lead role in the running of the files by being first point of contact on the telephone and by email
- Ensuring files are Lexcel compliant.
- (NB: the Paralegal may not sign post or give any undertakings on behalf of the firm.)
Secretarial and administrative work
To assist the secretarial and other support staff as required. In particular:
- Preparing contract documentation and management of documents, including photocopying.
- Chasing clients for appropriate evidence of identity documentation and payments on account of costs and disbursements where required and recording these details in SOS.
- Sending reminders to non-paying clients in respect of outstanding bills.
- Maintaining file format in accordance with office manual.
Accounts procedures
- Assisting in the preparation of bills and completion statements.
- Obtaining the approval of Accounts of all bills/claims prepared.
- Obtaining payment on account from clients.
- Requesting cheques.
- Obtaining Partner/HoD signature to cheques.
- Assisting with telegraphic transfers as required.
- Requesting transfer of money between client and office accounts.
- Referring amendments to cheques and bills to Partners for approval, and dealing with the formalities for such amendment.
Perusing monthly printouts and taking the required action including ensuring that all client money is placed on deposit where required and returning any money to clients where required.
About us
Barcan+Kirby is well known in the Bristol legal market both as a provider of excellent legal services for individuals and businesses, and as a progressive employer.
We are committed to developing and nurturing our people, and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health is central to our culture. When we say we offer a work/life balance, we mean it, and we were advocates for flexible working long before the Covid-19 pandemic.
We work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and friendliness, and we like to think that we do things a bit differently from other law firms.
About you
Our ideal candidate will have LPC/BPTC or a Law degree, or CILEx Professional Qualification (CPQ) Foundation Stage (or equivalent). Alternatively, you will have completed, or to be prepared to work towards The Apprenticeship in Law (Paralegal).
In addition to this, you will have Paralegal experience. Computer literacy is essential with experience of Microsoft Office including Word and Outlook.
Location and working hours
- Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday)
- The role is based at our Prince House office in Bristol city centre, but with the option to apply for hybrid working upon successful completion of your probation.
