Paralegal (Commercial Property)

Job purpose

We are looking for someone with strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail and who is able to manage their own caseload with accuracy and a highly efficient level of time management. This is a demanding role that will require flexibility and the ability to successfully prioritise competing demands.

The successful candidate will gain excellent exposure to a broad range of property work in a busy and friendly team. We believe strongly in investing and training our staff and the successful candidate can expect the opportunity to expand on and further develop their existing knowledge.

The team

Real Estate is at the heart of Devonshires’ business, as it is with the major part of our client base.  Within the Team, there are 18 dedicated partners working on a wide variety of property transactions with a broad range of clients from registered providers of social housing and care homes, through to private developers, acting on sites and developments from a handful of units to thousands to portfolio and street property acquisitions and disposals.

Duties and responsibilities

This is not an exhaustive list and from time to time it may be necessary to vary these to meet the department and business needs.

• Assist the team on a wide variety of commercial property matters including sales and purchases, leasing, asset management, title matters and due diligence. ;
• Prepare contract packs to include obtaining documents from Land Registry, drafting CPSE and gathering together the appropriate documents from the client.
• Set up and maintain online document rooms;
• Provide clients with regular progress reports;
• Carry out legal research as and when required;
• Assist with the initial stages of drafting documents
• Preparing and swearing statutory notices and declarations.
• Assisting with title reports.
• Obtaining consent certificates to deal with title restrictions from lenders and third parties
• Obtaining insurance quotes for various title/ searches defects
• Carrying out searches for purchases 
• Attending conference calls and update meetings with clients and third parties
• Assist fee earners in relation to post-exchange requirements on the acquisition of sites including registration of unilateral notices, submitting priority searches, submitting registration applications to HMLR and dealing with requisitions raised by HMLR;
• Assist fee earners with SDLT forms and submissions.
• Communicate positively with clients and other parties both on the telephone and by email and manage a range of clients resourcefully;
• Organise and maintain tidy and accurate electronic files (hard copy files when required);
• Ensure timelines and deadlines are met and adhered to;
• Provide support and assistance to fee earners within the team as and when required;
• Follow department procedures, the Solicitor’s Accounts Rules and the Firm’s policies and procedures as detailed in the Office Manual.

Person specification

Essential skills and requirements

• You will have 1-2 years’ experience in a similar role and possess solid drafting skills;
• You will have an appropriate degree in Law or equivalent (or appropriate conversion) or an appropriate subject;
• You take a methodical approach with good attention to detail;
• You are competent in all MS applications including Word, Excel and Outlook;
• You are client focussed, have an approachable manner and excellent communication skills;
• Any experience of dealing with commercial property and / or leases would be an advantage.

Desirable skills/future requirements of the role 

• Completing SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax) returns;
• Drafting and reporting on contracts and other documentation.