Paralegal (6 - month FTC)

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Paralegal to join our Business Acceptance Unit!

Role Purpose

The role of the BAU includes:

• New Legal Matters: Process partner requests for A&O Shearman to accept new legal matters, including anti-money laundering, background checks on new clients, and conflicts checks within internal databases.
• Client Identity Verification: Obtain required identity evidence for new clients and existing clients with no recent work history (past two years) whose ownership or control may have changed.
• Conflict Checks: Screen and send conflict search emails to all partners, monitor responses, analyze search results, and determine conflict clearance in consultation with originating lawyers.
• Matter Authorisation: Authorize the opening of new legal matters once checks are completed and issues resolved.
• Conflict Resolution: Facilitate resolution of legal and business conflict issues in consultation with relevant partners, senior lawyers, and A&O Shearman senior management.
• Information Barriers: Determine the need for information barriers and facilitate their establishment to enhance internal security.
• File Security: Intervene as needed to direct the required levels of matter/virtual file security within the A&O Shearman virtual filing system.
• Terms of Engagement: Receive, monitor, and keep a central record of client engagement terms, remind lawyers to document terms clearly, and advise on unusual/non-standard terms and firm policy.
• Business Acceptance Queries: Handle business acceptance queries, including conflicts and anti-money laundering ID queries.

What you will do

• Assist in the maintenance of up to date client, and client group, records within the firm's database
• Provide office administrative support to the Business Acceptance Unit (BAU) teams in Belfast and London.
• Assist other paralegals in the (Engagement Terms Team) ETT in the creation and maintenance of information barriers the administration of the process regarding engagement letters.
• Collecting other records from team members and scanning, storing and organising such records in the appropriate databases.
• Helping to refine and develop further the BAU's internal records management databases and processes
• Working closely with the Finance and Business Development (BD) Departments to ensure that client and matter records are kept up-to-date
• Working together with all other team members in monitoring service levels of the ETT
• Cover for the BAU PAs when necessary
• Assisting the ETT Legal Team with Paralegal support, Research and other projects

What you will have

• Strong academic background with a minimum of a 2:1 in Law .
• Previous experience as a paralegal within a leading top tier firm is preferred.
• Strong organisational skills coupled with demonstrable database management skills are essential.
• Previous exposure to drafting commercial contracts is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent attention to detail

What we can offer you
We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

If this role is not of interest we may have another suitable opportunity here for you at A&O Shearman! Visit our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and submit your CV to our Talent Network to be notified when the perfect opportunity becomes available.