Description:
We are looking for a Paralegal to join our Civil Litigation team in Manchester. At present, we have a dedicated Debt Recovery team carrying out privately-funded work for Markel’s policyholders and members of certain professional trade associations and membership organisations (including the Federation of Small Businesses). The Debt Recovery team forms part of the firm’s wider Civil Litigation department, which currently comprises of 11 fee earners and 3 legal administrators. The work is fast-moving, varied and challenging, and the successful candidate will receive full training in our internal practices and procedures.
Markel Law LLP (Markel Law) is an independent SRA authorised and regulated legal business offering services to both insured and non-insured clients. Our clients and business partners comprise businesses, high net worth individuals, and associations across a broad spectrum of industries.
We operate out of offices in Manchester, Leeds, London and Croydon and employ over 60 specialist solicitors. Our legal teams guide, support, defend and protect clients through a wide range of key legal services.
What you’ll be doing:
- Manage a case load of your own of debt recovery matters from initiation to resolution (and both pre- and post-issue)
- Prepare, review and submit legal correspondence and documents, including letters before action, claim forms, particulars of claim and court forms
- Maintain and organise case files, ensuring accurate and updated records of all relevant correspondence and documentation
- Communicate professionally and effectively with clients, debtors, courts and third parties regarding case updates, settlement offers and negotiations
- Draft and proof-read correspondence, legal notices and settlement agreements
- Develop and advise upon effective debt collection strategies and settlement plans
- Analyse debtor financial information and assets to assess potential recovery options
- Work efficiently on cases that are predominantly funded under a fixed price scheme, but also with exposure to privately funded hourly rate matters
- Deliver clear, accurate and pragmatic advice based on both the legal and commercial realities of a client’s position
- Provide our clients with a timely, efficient and courteous service at all times
- Be expected to deliver on billing and other key performance indicators
- Ensure all files are progressed and maintained within required standards and in line with relevant procedures
- Have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the insurance industry and the contribution an insurance panel law firm can make to the success of a large insurance company
Our must haves:
- Ideally have existing commercial litigation experience, debt recovery or insolvency
- Be accustomed to running their own caseload under supervision
- Demonstrate strong communication and organisational skills with an ability to prioritise workload
- Have good IT skills, certainly with experience in using Microsoft Office 2010 and case management systems (preferably Partner for Windows)
- Deliver against tight deadlines and display key time management skills when prioritising tasks to ensure compliance with deadlines
- Have high attention to detail and accuracy in their work
- Demonstrate first-class client care and communication skills across all levels
- Demonstrate an ability to develop relationships with key internal and external partners
- Have excellent written communication skills
- Be an effective team mate, demonstrating a positive ‘can do’ attitude and displaying co-operative interaction with team members