As a Matter Support paralegal based in our hybrid Bristol office, you
will be part of a central team providing support to a range of legal
teams alongside other paralegals and apprentices. You will have the
opportunity to work with talented lawyers and a wide range of clients
in a fast-paced environment. Over time, you will gain exposure to a
range of work types, primarily in our insurance practice.
The role
Paralegal support is integral to our business and we are keen to
provide an environment where you can develop both your legal and
business skills. Once you have gained necessary experience and skills,
you will have the opportunity to work within legal teams on an
informal internal placement basis. Subject to business need, these
placements are usually 10 months long, with direct associate
supervision, giving you a broad paralegal experience and providing the
opportunity to build relationships with people across the whole office.
The Matter Support team offers experience in a range of practice
areas, with work coming from various legal teams including
Professional and Financial Risks, Construction, Cyber, and Employment.
Most of the teams' work is supporting our insurance teams, usually
with matters that involve defending professionals (such as architects,
financial advisors, and solicitors) alongside their professional
indemnity insurers in the event of a claim, meaning an interest in
civil litigation is a must. We are also actively working to support
more teams across the business and gain exposure to more
non-contentious work.
At RPC, training and development is important. You will receive
bespoke training with an induction built around regular tasks the team
complete. You will also have access to a broad curriculum of firm wide
training events, and a buddy to help you settle in. This role also
offers the opportunity to train and mentor apprentices and new
starters to the team once you've mastered elements of the role and are
ready to share your knowledge.
RPC are supportive of qualification through alternative routes and
have a funding policy in place to support with the costs for SQE2,
Equivalent Means and CILEx. This role offers the opportunity for
quality qualifying work experience and RPC has seen paralegals in the
firm successfully qualify via these routes. The team and firm's growth
ambitions also provide opportunity for supervisory positions in the future.
Key responsibilities include:
Drafting letters and documents, including engagement letters,
disclosure pilot documents, settlement agreements, standstill
agreements, and instructions to counsel / experts
Legal research and the preparation of case summaries
Contract review, including drawing attention to clauses in
proposed construction contracts that could compromise insurance cover
Preparation of cost budgets and schedules (including reworking and
categorising financial data to present to court or evaluating costs
on the settlement of a claim)
The review and compilation of client data in the preparation of
exhibits for witness statements, or mediation and court bundles
Supporting the firm with translation services using a machine
translation tool and our panel translator providers.
Contributing to the development and improvement of the team's
service, support, processes, and procedures.
Knowledge, skills and experience
A law degree, GDL or equivalent, ideally with paralegal experience
or experience in a similar type of role.
Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing
Good attention to detail with excellent organisational skills and
the ability to adapt to shifting priorities and adapt plans accordingly.
Hardworking, enthusiastic and motivated
Able to deal with difficult or demanding situations
Able to build internal relationships to understand expertise
across the firm and to deliver excellent client service.
Has a commercial, committed and proactive approach, including
responding in a timely manner to meet clients' needs and deadlines.
Committed to being part of a supportive, inclusive and
collaborative firm culture.
Good knowledge and confident user of Microsoft Office
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
We are problem solvers. Whether in front of clients or behind the
scenes. To solve problems creatively for clients, we need diverse
collaborative thinking; drawing on different experiences, backgrounds
and perspectives. That means that everyone who either applies to, or
works for, the firm is treated equitably. Webelieve in removing
barriers to equal access not least because our people define us and
define what we do. If you need support and adjustments to do your best
work, whether that's during the recruitment process or throughout your
time at RPC, we're here to help.
Flexible working that supports your commitments outside of work is an
important part of our culture and, where possible, we will support
this across all roles. Please get in touch with our recruitment team
if you have any questions about our hybrid working approach or
flexible working policy.
