Harrison-Drury is a market leading Firm of solicitors with offices across the North West servicing both business and private clients. We have been successful for a fifth time placing in the Top 100 Best Companies to work for in the UK.

We are an employer of choice because we have a culture that challenges the conventional law firm approach and focusses our energy on getting great results for our clients, while attracting and developing brilliant people.

The property litigation team is recognised in the Legal 500 for its technical expertise in providing quality legal commercial services to clients. It acts for businesses and individuals across England and Wales offering the full range of contentious property disputes, from landlord and tenant and real estate litigation to property contract claims and professional negligence claims involving property professionals.

The overall purpose of this role, based out of Preston or Kendal office is to undertake fee-earning work, and to provide accurate, timely, efficient and professional support to the team. We are looking for someone with drive and ambition to grow and develop their role and skillset and who will become a valued member of the team.

The team and the work we do:

The team consists of 3 Partners, 1 Legal Director, 1 Associate, 4 solicitors and 2 apprentice solicitors. The range of clientele is extensive, from independent business owners, retail occupiers, large property development companies and individuals in both the commercial and residential sectors. The work is varied, challenging and interesting and covers a wide range of landlord and tenant matters including: lease renewals, dilapidations, break clauses and forfeiture. There has also been a recent influx of trespass and possession instructions into the team, alongside the steady stream of work relating to boundary disputes, rights of way/easements and advice on restrictive covenants.

The team works very closely together with team members based in Preston and Kendal whilst we also work out of all offices to suit our clients needs. There is the opportunity to work from all offices when required to develop client and internal relationships. We offer training and development opportunities to members in the team, in order to provide them with the tools to develop their commercial and technical skills and help grow their offering within the team. We also encourage and support business development in all members of our team.

Typical Duties Include:

• Responsibility for managing own files, with supervision as required
• Attending Court, mediations, client meetings and preparing detailed minutes
• Liaising with Counsel, the Court and other third parties
• Ensuring file compliance with relevant regulatory standards and the Office Manual processes
• Using the information in client files to inform the Fee Earner of required action, keep the critical dates accurate and action upon them as required
• Producing Case Bundles in accordance with case requirements and CPR Rules
• Dealing with new enquiries on the phone or by email and converting into new matters and liaising with existing clients for Fee Earner
• Managing meetings for Fee Earners when requested
• Undertaking legal research tasks for Fee Earners
• Drafting documents including correspondence and Court documents
• Preparing relevant legal updates and blog articles for the website Effective administration of the Files. This includes Matter Opening, Matter Closing, Matter Archiving and data updates and billing during the course of a matter

Skills and experience:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong planning and organisational skills. Ability to prioritise and manage competing demands
• Legal research skills
• Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Experience of working in a Law firm or other professional environment
• Previous role as an Administrator / Paralegal in a Legal service line team

Desirable Experience:

• Experience with SOS or similar legal case management systems
• Familiarity with legal documents in a contentious practice area, ideally in relation to County Court and High Court proceedings