Paralegal

Job description
Vacancy Name Paralegal

Job Purpose To work alongside Qualified Solicitors to assist with progression of matters, including discovery, analysis of quantum evidence, liaising with counsel and third party experts, trail preparation and legal research.

This role will suit not only experienced paralegals but also graduates seeking to gain vital legal experience with the aim of progressing their legal career including attending ILPS.

Key Accountabilities
• Work within an insurance defence litigation specialist area, assisting Qualified Solicitors with caseloads in order to pursue completion of files in line with client instruction to the commercial benefit of Keoghs.
• Communicate, build and utilize relationships with colleagues, clients and third parties in a professional and knowledgeable manner; including all methods of communication: in person, over the phone and written
• Progressing discovery matters by drafting the appropriate pleadings and thoroughly reviewing all discoverable material;
• Carrying our legal research, reviewing evolving case law and procedural nuances of certain claims;
• Assisting with investigation matters by taking both informal and formal statements from witnesses;
• Assisting with trial preparation with compiling trial bundles and helping both clients and witnesses prepare to testify at trial;
• Compiling an in-depth analysis of quantum evidence which includes preparing chronologies and identifying anomalies across various sources of evidence to include Hospital and GP notes but also medico-legal reports to assist the lead file handler with reserves calculations;
• Instructing Counsel and medico-legal experts by compiling briefs and letters of instruction;
• Daily task list management including prioritisation and managing deadlines;
• Work to and maintain Service Level Agreements;
• Work well within the team, act as a role model for Keoghs Values.

Working Hours

35 hours per week

Monday – Friday +am – 5pm with 1 unpaid hour for lunch.

Primary location for this role is Belfast

Experience, Skills and Qualifications
• Law Degree
• No previous experience is necessary
• Excellent listening, verbal and written communication
• Ability to prioritise work, keep to deadlines and work under pressure
• Ability to work to agreed targets and service level agreements
• Excellent research skills
• High level of analytical skills
• Excellent IT skills

Required Soft Skills
• Behaviours - displays a positive and professional attitude towards their work and colleagues in line with Keoghs Shared Behaviours
• Communication – ability to adapt communication style to ensure a mutual understanding is achieved both with customers and colleagues
• Planning & Organisation – ability to structure, manage and prioritise workload accordingly
• Adaptability – ability to adapt to different situations and tasks, whilst maintaining quality and service

Values

Our culture is focussed on making Keoghs sustainable and successful for our people and clients, with this our five values are at the heart of everything we do;

Keoghs values

Our Values

We are connected

We are Dynamic

We are Innovative

We succeed together

Contract Type Permanent

Division

Sub Area Ireland

Office Belfast - Gloucester Street

Closing Date 25 Sep 2024