Job Description
Overview: We are looking for a Knowledge Paralegal to support the Knowledge Lawyers across our Dispute Resolution Division. The Penningtons Manches Cooper Knowledge Team are a collaborative, vibrant team that form a conduit between the fee-earning and central teams to deliver a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Their strength and depth are recognised in the legal industry, being finalists in the PSL/Knowledge category of the LexisNexis Legal Awards in 2019 and 2022; runners up at the British Legal Technology Awards in 2021 (for collaboration with Class Legal, leading publishers in the Family law arena) and shortlisted in 2020 for Legal Week's Future of Legal Services Innovation – Mid-sized Private Practice award. The Knowledge Team comprises specialist knowledge lawyers (up to partner level) as well as central knowledge management professionals providing knowledge and information services. The team sits within the wider Best Practice Group which includes specialists in risk/compliance, data governance, learning and development, legal project management, document automation and innovation. Together they work collaboratively with one aim in mind: to make things better. Better for our employees, better for our business, and better for our clients. They identify problems, and solve those problems by engaging with people, processes and technology. They help individuals, teams and the firm achieve strategic goals, maximise operational efficiency, drive innovation, facilitate change and create value from the firm’s knowledge assets. This position will involve working closely with the DRD teams and the Knowledge Team to deliver the knowledge and firmwide strategy and support the development of innovative ways in which to better serve our clients and support our fee earners. The DRD consist of: Commercial Dispute Resolution The team deals with a broad cross-section of cases from major cross-border disputes and judicial reviews to advising on the choice of dispute resolution clauses in contracts and mediating to resolve cases. Our clients range from multi-national corporations, regulatory bodies and trade associations to banks and other financial institutions, educational establishments and companies involved in group actions. Further details can be found here. Marine Trade & Energy (MTE) Our global team works closely with marine surveyors, investigators and loss adjusters to provide a comprehensive legal service to clients who range from ship and yacht owners, charterers, underwriters, P&I clubs, commodities end-users and trade associations to port operators, banks and other financial institutions. Further details can be found here. Personal Injury/Clinical Negligence The Clinical negligence and Personal Injury group is regarded as one of the leading specialist teams in the country. They provide advice in relation to injury or loss suffered as a result of any type of treatment by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, whether in the course of the NHS or private treatment and in relation to accidents both in the UK and abroad and in the workplace, public areas and on the roads. Further details can be found here and here. Responsibilities: The Knowledge Paralegal will support the implementation of the knowledge strategy and its priorities; they will also assist/support the Knowledge Lawyers in the DRD with day-to-day tasks which will help them to meet their departments’ requirements. They will serve as a point of contact for lawyers and support staff on knowledge matters, respond to enquiries and requests for support. Duties include: Legal research and assisting with legal and compliance queries raised by fee earners Assisting other members of the team in providing timely updates on legal and market developments Assisting with the maintenance and development of legal precedents (including the preparation of documents for automation) Supporting the organisation and delivery of legal training programmes The collection, storage, maintenance and sharing of internal and external legal and market know-how The testing of various knowledge/legal technology tools, and assisting with implementation and training Keeping the intranet up to date – uploading and removing documents, updating links, correcting corrupted titles etc. Various tasks (conducting business analysis or fact finding) for knowledge projects Various day-to-day administrative tasks including leavers/joiners administration, training administration and assisting the members of the DRD teams to maintain the databases of external experts and assist with curating our internal resources Working with wider Knowledge and Best Practice teams on firmwide projects The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) for up to 50% of their time. Individuals can also apply for other flexible working options either at the time of recruitment or during the course of their employment. Essential & Desirable Criteria: This role would be ideal for someone who is bright, energetic, has an eye for detail and a passion for law and business and is considering a career in law or knowledge management. Ideally, we are looking for someone with previous experience in dispute resolution and a solid understanding of the various IT platforms used to assist in litigation and case management. You’ll have, or be on track to have, a 2:1 degree or higher. Candidates who have completed (or who are undertaking) the CILEx qualification or who have demonstrable experience within a law firm or professional services firm will also be considered Excellent oral and written communication skills IT literate, confident user of MS Office (including Excel and PowerPoint) Knowledge of legal and business information systems with experience of SharePoint or similar platforms would be an advantage Ability to work to deadlines, manage a busy workload and to report on progress A problem-solving approach with an ability to research and analyse areas of law and regulation with appropriate supervision Strong attention to accuracy and detail and well-developed analytical skills Collaborative, professional and able to quickly build relationships Helps to facilitate and support change Eager to learn about and champion the use of new technology and processes Keen and resourceful; pro-active and motivated self-starter with excellent organisational skills Comfortable working under pressure to tight or changing deadlines At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here. We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Holly.Parker@penningtonslaw.com
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