Paralegal, Property Litigation

Dispute Resolution, Southampton

Paris Smith LLP is one of the South’s largest regional law firms and has celebrated over 200 years in business. We are committed to ensuring that our clients have a positive experience with the firm, and to inspire and develop our people to reach their full potential. We are based in offices in Southampton, Winchester and Bournemouth with 46 partners and employing 173 members of staff.

The Role

We are seeking a Paralegal to join our expanding Property Litigation team to help us resource the growing number of new enquiries arising whilst ensuring we deliver the same high level of service to our clients. Our Property Litigation team is recognised for handling a broad spectrum of property disputes, including residential landlord and tenant issues (such as possession claims and service charge disputes), commercial disputes (lease renewals, forfeiture, injunctions), and other matters like boundary and easement disputes. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a team consisting of two Partners, a Senior Associate, two Solicitors, and a Secretary, with further work from the wider Dispute Resolution team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the start of their legal career or with some paralegal experience wanting to deepen their skills with a mix of challenging and rewarding work. Training and mentoring will be provided, including the use of innovative technologies in legal services.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the team in managing a varied property litigation caseload and preparing legal documents and correspondence.

• Undertake legal research and assist with case preparations.

• Engage directly with clients to provide updates and gather essential information.

• Attend court hearings and client meetings as needed, offering a front-row seat to practical legal work.

• Contribute to marketing initiatives, attending events and assisting with drafting articles.

• Support the wider Dispute Resolution team, broadening your career exposure.

• Ensure all files are managed to the highest standards, following Lexcel procedures.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate for this role will display or be working towards the below attributes and skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Drive and enthusiasm.

• Client focused.

• Good organisational skills: ability to manage multiple tasks and ensure compliance with key dates.

• Attention to detail.

• IT Literate: Proficiency in using legal software and other IT tools including Word and Excel.

• An interest in learning about Artificial Intelligence and how that can improve our legal services.

• Strong Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

• A keen desire to develop a legal career on the South Coast.

• Knowledge of Property Litigation: Familiarity with areas such as residential landlord and tenant law, including possession claims.

• Experience with commercial lease renewal claims desirable but not essential, as training will be provided.

In return we offer a competitive salary, subject to skills and experience together with a comprehensive range of benefits and an excellent working environment.

There will be opportunities to learn from senior team members and to work on cases with both major commercial clients and private clients, all within a supportive and engaging workplace culture that values your growth and development.

Location: Southampton office – 1 London Road, Southampton, SO15 2AE (willingness to travel occasionally to Bournemouth and Winchester offices if required)

Term: Permanent

Working Hours: Full Time

Department: Dispute Resolution