Conveyancing Paralegal Vacancy

Watkins Solicitors is an award-winning and busy solicitors firm specialising in Family Law, Education Law, Wills and Probate Law, Conveyancing, Human Rights and Judicial Review. Currently, we have three offices; one in North Bristol, one in South Bristol and one in Bath, and we also see clients by appointment in Hereford and Evesham. The firm has a Legal Aid franchise and carries out work under the Legal Aid scheme for family clients, judicial review, and human rights. The firm also acts for clients on a private basis.

Watkins Solicitors has an outstanding reputation as a good employer. We offer excellent employee benefits, great working culture and exciting career opportunities. We are a friendly, sociable, and respected company with a firm belief in supporting our staff. This position may suit someone at the start of their legal career as we offer training and progression opportunities. We support remote, agile, and flexible working opportunities.

In line with the firm’s culture, it is our aim to nurture and grow our own talent, and the successful candidate will be supported in their development and progression.

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Conveyancing Department. We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic permanent full-time Conveyancing Paralegal; this is a perfect opportunity for a dedicated candidate looking for a challenging yet rewarding role. Full time is 35 hours a week, Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday, 8.30am to 4pm. We are looking for someone to start work in mid to late May 2023.

The candidate

We are looking for the right candidate, eager to work in conveyancing; this could be a recent law graduate looking to start their legal career or an experienced paralegal wanting to develop their knowledge further.

The main responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Assisting in the Conveyancing department, taking initial calls from new clients
• General admin duties.
• To assist fee earners in dealing with their cases, to include documentation preparation, and drafting statements.
• To use the correct office systems and procedures in order to manage cases
• To keep yourself technically up to date by training and research.

Essential criteria

• A law degree or equivalent
• A high level of written English, with an emphasis on spelling, presentation, and the use of punctuation
• A “can-do attitude” and the ability to use your own initiative.
• Strong organisational skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and basic IT skills
• Take personal pride in their work and be committed to producing work of the highest quality.
• Can maintain high standards of client care.

Desirable criteria

• Successful completion of the LPC
• Experience working in a conveyancing department
• Own Transport
• Experience working in a law firm
• Experience using a case management system

Our Offer

In return, you can expect a rewarding career, as we believe in looking after our employees which is why we offer a great flexible work policy to help you balance your personal and professional lives. We also offer the Bike2Work Scheme. The firm very much supports continual training and has developed an extensive in-house training scheme. The firm is keen for staff to progress, and after 6-12 months of employment, a training contract will be considered. Currently, the firm has six trainees, all of whom commenced with the firm in a paralegal role. We also support candidates progressing via SQE or CLIEX.

Initial training will be provided in our Fishponds office. However, following a probationary period, there may be the opportunity to work flexibly from home.

Salary from £21,000.00 per annum.

To apply, please send a CV and a cover letter to Kate Ford at kford@watkinssolicitors.co.uk. Closing date for this vacancy is Friday, 28 April 2023. However, Interviews, which will take place remotely, may take place sooner if suitable candidates are received with a view to the role starting as soon as possible.

This firm welcomes applications from all sections of the community irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.