Paralegal

Jersey

Our Litigation team help our clients solve their problems and protect their interests. Instructed by a wide range of financial institutions, fiduciary service providers, commercial entities and private individuals based worldwide our expert teams are involved in a broad spectrum of litigation work. This includes trust disputes, insolvencies, boardroom battles, fraud and asset recovery, regulatory enforcement and arbitration. We believe in a ‘hands-on’ approach and our clients have access to our experienced litigation partners for the duration of any case. We take on our clients' issues and guide them towards the best solution, communicating regularly and providing reassurance at every stage.

This role will provide an efficient support service to Associates and Partners on the full range of contentious matters.  This role may require you to record your time in line with our procedures.

Key Responsibilities

•  Assisting in drafting a range of legal documents 
•  Reviewing and summarising legal and other documents 
•  Performing legal research and analysis including document disclosure exercises. 
•  Printing and collating legal documents
•  Checking legal forms/documents for accuracy 
•  Assisting in the preparation of reports, correspondence and bundles
•  Maintaining system based filing systems, assisting in file openings and CDD requirements
•  Carrying out searches in a prompt and efficient manner
•  Assisting with monthly billing, WIP lists and processing expense claims and fee earner time entries
•  Supporting the team's marketing plans
•  Assisting with arranging local business development events and off-island trips, which may include arranging travel, accommodation and setting up meetings
•  Working flexibly as a team member with the department to ensure there is support cover throughout the working week to meet the client needs. 
•  Providing administration and support to fee earners as required
• Taking responsibility for a wide range of tasks/projects as required by the partners/lawyers in the group
•  Adhering to all policies, procedures and regulations as required

Qualifications

•  High School or degree level educated.
• Preferably having or working towards a legal or administrative qualification.

Knowledge/skills/experience

•  Some previous experience in a legal environment, ideally in a similar role.
•  Document management experience would be useful.
•  Strong IT skills.
•  Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
•  Willingness and ability to learn about the law.

Competencies

We would like you to have:

•  Organisational/time management skills and the ability to prioritise and manage a workload effectively within deadlines.
•  A responsible, disciplined and methodical approach and a keen eye for detail.
•  The ability to use initiative to resolve issues and to work independently with appropriate supervision.
•  Team spirited, with flexibility and enthusiasm.

In this role you will be expected to:

• Behave in a manner in keeping with our core culture and values.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures and regulations including those around anti-money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Commit to fulfilling any personal CPD requirements and continually developing your skills and knowledge.

About Bedell Cristin

Since 1939, clients have come to us for straight-talking legal advice.

Today you’ll find the same sound judgement and pragmatism across our offices in the BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Jersey, London, and Singapore.

Our smart, approachable teams design informed, and inventive legal solutions. The expertise you expect, offered with a refreshing simplicity and clarity. We also invest in mutually committed relationships with our clients as we believe strong foundations make for smoother roads.

Over the years, we’ve learned the importance of these principles, while playing our part in defining the modern offshore legal industry.

Our founder, George Bedell, helped establish Jersey’s progressive tax system. And the island’s first female advocate, Anita Regal, hailed from Bedell Cristin.

We are proud of where we have come from - and we value what we have learned along the way.

Associate - International Trusts and Private Clients (ITPC) - Guernsey

We're looking for a collaborative lawyer, with post qualification experience in non-contentious trust matters to join our growing International Trusts and Private Client (ITPC) practice in Guernsey. 

 Our unique ITPC practice operates as a single, integrated team across three of our offices, combining exceptional non-contentious and advisory skills with specialist expertise, including Private Wealth advisory, structuring and dispute resolution.  Within this role, you'll be focused on Guernsey matters, working closely with our colleagues in dispute resolution on trust matters, and with our corporate team, on private funds and corporate structures for private clients.

Working as part of a focused and ambitious team, you will play an active role in the day to day running of ITPC matters and business development activities, under the supervision of a Partner or senior lawyer as appropriate. 

You can expect high levels of responsibility and client contact in a friendly and supportive team, an attractive remuneration package and benefits which can be adapted to suit your lifestyle.  

About the role

In this role you will:

• Obtain clear instructions from clients, analyse points of law, provide expert legal advice and prepare relevant documentation or advice, where appropriate, for Partner review
• Review and provide comments on documentation provided by third parties using thorough working knowledge of relevant legal principles, laws and regulations
• Ensure administrative tasks are completed on each matter in accordance with required internal procedures (e.g. conflict searching, issue of terms and conditions and engagement letters, due diligence, matter opening, time recording, billing etc.)
• Effectively manage own workload and provide assistance to junior fee earners involved in such matters, regularly reviewing their progress and escalating any concerns with the relevant Partner
• Ensure that the Partners’ time is used efficiently by organising queries and seeking to identify own solutions to problems
• Manage and carry out discrete tasks thoroughly and efficiently, to the required quality standard and within the time that can be recovered from the client
• Share expertise to develop the competence of individuals within the team and to build the overall technical and professional capability of the firm globally
• Actively participate in team development and marketing, including business development activities
• Take responsibility for own continuous professional development, meeting local CPD requirements
• Promote and demonstrate the firm's values at all times

About you - essential requirements

• Hold a Solicitor or Barrister qualification, preferably gained within a common law jurisdiction, and ideally a minimum of two years' post qualification experience within a relevant practice  
• Ideally be STEP qualified or have a desire to study towards this 
• Demonstrable organisation, communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work under pressure, often within tight deadlines
•  Having an understanding of good time recording practices and file management skills such as providing helpful updates to the partner on progress, regular billing reviews and WIP management
•  A proactive approach to the working environment and the willingness to develop existing skills and update legal knowledge by way of additional training
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively with the direct and wider teams

Any PQE stated in this job description is intended as a guide only. All candidates are welcome to apply regardless of their PQE and will be considered based on their relevant technical knowledge and skills.

Senior Associate - Financial Services Law

Senior associates in our financial services law practice enjoy a varied working day, providing legal advice relating to banking and finance, corporate and commercial law, investment funds, general financial services, insurance and regulatory matters.  Furthermore, they have a key role in working with the partner(s) to help grow the business by assisting with the development and implementation of the strategic growth plans for the work area.

Given the nature of the Guernsey practice, we are looking for a senior associate whose experience is more weighted to banking and finance.  They must have solid technical skills, a client centric and commercial approach and the ability to think on their feet.  As well as working on high quality transactions and being an integral member of the team, you will enjoy a client-facing role and a working environment that is open, friendly and collegiate. 

More about the role

Client Work

• To take responsibility for the management and co-ordination of client work as delegated by the Partners
• To manage risk exposure in accordance with the firm's policies and procedures
• To ensure all clients receive a high quality, timely and professional service to meet their needs
• To delegate to and actively supervise the work of more junior staff as appropriate
• To identify, discuss and implement changes/improvements to the way the practice runs and/or the services provided to clients

People

• To assist as required with the motivation, management and development of other fee earners and support staff in the work area
• To support the Partners in building an efficient group structure (this may include involvement in recruitment)
• To actively share knowledge, skills and experience with others

Business Development

• Promote and strengthen the Bedell brand
• Within the Group’s strategy, contribute as required to the development and implementation of the Group’s business development plans, with the aim of attracting more work from existing clients and developing new client relationships
• Support new ventures, identify cross selling opportunities and seek ways to develop our services
• Take responsibility for a range of non-chargeable activities to build the firm's know-how and external reputation through seminars/writing of articles/presentations etc.
• Working with colleagues from other teams and offices on multi-disciplinary and international projects
• Taking responsibility for a wide range of tasks/projects as required by the lawyers/partners in the group

Financial

• Take personal responsibility for achieving target hours, proactively manage WIP, billings and debtors and record time in a consistent way
• To demonstrate a good understanding of our key financial indicators by educating others

Qualifications/skills/knowledge/experience

Qualifications

• Likely to be 5-6 years+ PQE with Jersey, Guernsey and/or UK/Commonwealth qualifications

Skills/knowledge/experience

• Knowledge and experience of transactional work relating banking and finance, corporate and commercial law, investment funds, general financial services, insurance and regulatory
• Experience of working in an offshore jurisdiction would be beneficial but not essential
• Knowledge of, or a desire to learn about Guernsey offshore law
• Strong technical ability
• Business development experience and/or motivation to assist with business development
• The ability to prioritise and manage time effectively

Competencies

We would like you to have:

• A client focused approach
• Strong commercial awareness and sound judgement
• Self-motivation and drive
• A solution driven attitude to problems
• The ability to instil confidence in partners, colleagues and clients
• A positive and optimistic attitude
• The desire and ability to work collaboratively and collegiately with others
• The ability to communicate effectively with peers, colleagues and client

In this role you will be expected to:

• Behave in a manner in keeping with our core culture and values
• Adhere to all policies, procedures and regulations including those around anti-money laundering and terrorist financing
• Commit to fulfilling any personal CPD requirements and continually developing your skills and knowledge
• Flexibility, as occasionally you may be asked to work beyond your contracted hours to support urgent transactional work

Litigation Senior Associate - Jersey

To work as part of the team providing a full range of litigation services to the clients of Bedell Cristin, Jersey.  To take principal charge of work assignments within the team, with minimal partner intervention.  This will entail extensive direct client contact, being responsible for the supervision of junior legal assistant(s) and taking an active role in the identification and implementation of new business initiatives. Working with the Partners to grow the business by assisting with the development and implementation of the Group’s strategic plans for the particular work area.

Key Responsibilities

• To take responsibility for the management and co-ordination of client work as delegated by the Partners, including but not limited to, researching, writing opinions, reviewing documentation, drafting, preparing cases for court.
• To ensure all clients receive a high quality, timely and professional service to meet their needs.
• Take personal responsibility for achieving target hours, proactively manage billings and debtors and record time in a consistent way.
• To assist as required with the motivation, management and development of other fee earners and support staff in the work area.
• Assist in the promotion, development and implementation of the practice area business plans.
• To support the Partners in building an efficient team structure (this may include involvement in recruitment).
• Assist in the promotion and development of our global litigation team by working with partners and associates across our jurisdictions and engaging in business development and know how activities.
• Support new ventures, identify cross selling opportunities and seek ways to develop our services and client base.
• Manage such other activities/projects as may be required by the Partners from time to time.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures and regulations as required and manage risk exposure in accordance with the firm's policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• The right candidate is likely to be 6 yrs+ PQE with a Jersey, UK or Commonwealth qualification.

Knowledge/skills/experience

•  Significant experience in the practice area
•  Strong technical ability
•  Some delegation and supervisory experience
•  Some business development experience
•  The ability to prioritise and manage time effectively
•  Good drafting and research skills.
•  Knowledge of research platforms, document management systems.
•  An understanding of key financial indicators and disciplines relating to time recording and billing.
•  Strong organisational skills and the ability to time manage and prioritise effectively.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills.

Competencies

We would like you to have:

•  A client focused approach.
•  Strong interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral.
•  Organisational/time management skills and the ability to prioritise and manage a workload effectively within deadlines.
•  A responsible, disciplined and methodical approach and a keen eye for detail.
•  The ability to use initiative to resolve issues and to work independently with an appropriate level of supervision.
•  Flexibility, energy and enthusiasm.

In this role you will be expected to:

• Behave in a manner in keeping with our core culture and values.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures and regulations including those around anti-money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Commit to fulfilling any personal CPD requirements and continually developing your skills and knowledge.