Paralegal - Planning

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package

Led by industry recognised planning partners, our dedicated and experienced team works closely with clients to help achieve their planning objectives. Whether it is general planning advice, the drafting of Infrastructure Agreements or strategic planning advice to facilitate delivery of complex mixed use schemes, our planning team offers a wealth of professional knowledge and advice which is always focused, clear and commercial.

The successful candidate will be assisting the national team with a variety of tasks including infrastructure managing their own caseload of infrastructure agreements as well as tasks including but are not limited to: -                  

• Communicating with clients and external solicitors (both in writing and telephone);
• Assisting with various planning queries including liaising with local planning authorities;
• Assisting with the preparation of high court challenges and planning appeals;
• Ad hoc research in relation to legal matters;
• Attending marketing and networking events with clients and intermediaries

#LI-JW1

• Degree and ideally LPC or ILEX qualified
• Ideally 6 months' previous paralegal experience within a similar role, or previous paralegal experience within a professional environment
• Excellent client care skills, with an ability to deliver a quality service to both internal and external clients
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment with short deadlines
• Enthusiastic with a positive, can do attitude
• Good working knowledge of various applications – word, excel, outlook
• Excellent presentation skills
• A methodical approach with keen attention paid to every detail
• Good organisational skills to ensure that the tasks are effectively scheduled within working time available, and that urgent work is completed and returned within the specified timescales
• Able to integrate within a team as well as working on one’s own initiative
• A willingness to take part in business development, including the attendance at networking and other marketing events

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.