Paralegal – Land Acquisition

Contract: 12 months FTC

Location: Davies and Partners Solicitors, Rowan house, Barnett Way, Barnwood, Gloucester. GL4 3RT

Salary: Competitive

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm, 37.5 hours per week

Davies and Partners Solicitors is a well-established law firm with over 30 years’ experience. It has a national reputation for excellence in the Property sector and strength in depth in a wide selection of other legal services for businesses & individuals. There are 5 offices in Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham, London and Devon. Davies and Partners Solicitors strongly believe that their staff are the heart of the company and are therefore driven to ensure that all employees experience and maintain a good work-life balance.

To work alongside the Legal Directors and solicitors in the department providing a full and efficient service, on a fixed term contract for up to 12 months, within the department to assist with the conveyancing of land and affordable housing, exercising confidentiality and client care at all times.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• To carry out and be responsible for day to day conduct of Land Acquisition and related work files under the supervision of the Legal Director;
• Opening new files as and when instructed;
• Collating title, planning and other development information and liaising with and/or meeting clients
• Photocopying of large plans and other documents;
• Managing incoming and outgoing telephone calls, e-mails and faxes as required;
• Updating databases and directories where appropriate;
• Audio typing of standard letters, contracts and documents;
• Assisting with responses to enquiries;
• Checking Legal Documents for quality, consistency and content;
• Ensuring files are kept tidy and up-to-date;
• Preparation of SDLT forms for submission to HMRC;
• Preparation of forms for submission to HM Land Registry;
• Preparation of completion statements, spreadsheets and all other paperwork in readiness for completion;
• Closing and archiving files when matter is completed.  Checking nil balance with Accounts and confirming destruction date with Fee Earner.
• Legal Research

The following tasks provide a general overview of the types of activity, the candidate will be expected to engage in or oversee on a day-to-day basis. The tasks are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities as all employees are required to be flexible, dynamic and have the capacity to think creatively when presented with challenges.

Your job title does not define or limit your duties and you may be required to carry out other work within your abilities from time to time at our request.

We reserve the right to introduce changes in line with technological developments which may impact upon your job duties or methods of working.

This role meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role will require applicants who are offered employment to be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions.

Equal Opportunities

Davies and Partners Solicitors provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable national laws. Davies and Partners Solicitors complies with applicable national laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Personal Specification

Legal Status:

• Appropriate DBS disclosure will be required prior to confirmation of appointment
• Right to live and work in the UK e.g. valid UK passport or appropriate visa/work permits

Education/Qualifications:

• Law Degree or equivalent is preferable
• GCSE Level 5 (Grade C) or above in English

Skills/Knowledge:

• Experience within a Legal Assistant or Paralegal role
• Knowledge of Land law is preferable
• Self-organised and proactive
• Ability to take responsibility and solve problems
• Attention to detail
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality
• Adaptable to the needs of the business as changes occur during the operational requirements
• Competent in the effective use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)
• The ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and work under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills

You may also have experience in the following roles: Property Paralegal, Real Estate Paralegal, Conveyancing Paralegal, Legal Assistant – Property, Land Law Paralegal, Residential Conveyancing Paralegal, Commercial Property Paralegal, Planning Law Paralegal, Development Paralegal, Affordable Housing Paralegal, Property Transactions Paralegal, Title and Search Paralegal, Legal Executive – Property, Plot Sales Paralegal, Property Litigation Paralegal, etc.

REF-219 873