Paralegal (Wealth Planning) - 12mth FTC

About Withers

Withers has been acting for successful individuals, families and institutions for 125 years.  We advise clients on the full range of their business, personal and philanthropic legal needs, both at home and abroad. With offices in the key financial centres of Europe, Asia-Pacific, the United States and the Caribbean, we provide coverage and services that other law firms focussed on the needs of the individual cannot.  We have represented 66% of the Top 100 in The Sunday Times Rich List, 25% of the Forbes 400 List, 35% of the Hong Kong Forbes Rich List and 35% of Forbes Asia's Richest Families list.

The Department

The Wealth Planning practice within the Private Client & Tax Division provides sophisticated legal advice to some of the world’s most successful people (including entrepreneurs, industrialists, senior executives, celebrities and artists).  This practice generates approximately 55% of the firm's revenues (globally) and is the firm’s engine room.  The firm has one of the largest and most comprehensive private client practices in the world.  As well as acting for clients with a UK connection, the London Wealth Planning practice has an international focus and acts for clients in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America in relation to trust and succession planning.  

The Role

We are looking for a robust, career-minded Paralegal to join our market-leading Wealth Planning team.   You will work with a broad range of clients (including trustees, administrators, banks, and beneficiaries) in relation to a range of private client related legal matters.  Succession planning for international families is a key part of this role, and you will assist with implementing estate-planning arrangements for individuals.  The work will involve a mix of domestic UK and international matters.  Key elements of the role include:

• Legal research
• Document management, review and analysis
• Assisting in preparing pitches and tenders and in aspects of business development
• Assisting with client events
• Preparing draft documents including wills, powers of attorneys and trust deeds
• Produce accurate, high-quality work quickly and efficiently, using the firm's software packages and document management systems
• Preparing first drafts of Terms of Engagement letters; using electronic file opening, ensuring anti-money laundering requirements are adhered to and requesting the necessary Know Your Client documentation
• Providing effective and proactive communication with clients, legal staff and other support staff, organising meetings, answering the phone, taking messages, managing e-mail, etc.
• Resolving accounting queries and producing monthly bills using Elite (finance and time recording system)
• General administrative duties

Key skills and experience

• Previous experience working as a Paralegal (or in a similar role) is desirable
• Ability to acquire new skills and to understand sophisticated concepts
• Familiarity with technology e.g. Excel, Word
• Strong research skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and under pressure
• Financial aptitude (for billing)
• Strong academics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

The essentials                                                                                                                                

• The core working hours are 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• This role is a 12-month fixed term contract
• 12-week probation period
• Four-week notice period
• Flexible benefit package

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withers endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withers operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is the policy of Withers to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.

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