Paralegal – Jersey

Walkers is offering an opportunity for paralegals to support our office on a 0 hour contract, with an electronic discovery project, whereby a considerable number of documents need to be reviewed in line with Company policy, checking if they are relevant, potentially relevant or not relevant. 

The successful candidates will be based in the firm's Jersey office and will work alongside leading practitioners.  Please note that this is a temporary contract, which will terminate at the conclusion of the electronic discovery project.

Duties, Responsibilities & Person Specification

• Work as part of a team, on the completion of this project
• Review documents on the Relativity Review Platform for relevance to the issues in the case, including identifying privileged documents
• Carry out day to day reporting and related document and electronic evidence collection administration, as assigned
• Work with legal practitioners, independent consultants and secretaries to document evidentiary materials  related to the assigned case
• Assist the partner and senior legal practitioners responsible for the review with such other tasks as may be required

Education, Skills & Experience

EDUCATION

A law degree (or completed law conversion course) from a recognised legal institution, or qualified paralegals with a minimum of three to five years experience within a legal environment.

PERSONAL QUALITIES/SKILLS

Candidates will need to demonstrate a high level of effectiveness in each of the following skills and abilities:

• Work independently and as a team member
• Have strong organisational and interpersonal skills
• Have strong attention to detail
• Have exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Communicate clearly and effectively on legal matters, both verbally and in writing
• Good use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Work in a flexible manner and respond to changing circumstances and emergency situations

Client Take-on Manager - Jersey

To lead, manage and develop the Client Take-on team (CToT) which supports offices spanning the Far East and Caribbean as well as in the UK time zone. Managing a team of circa five members, this role focuses on delivering an efficient and timely support service which adheres to relevant local compliance and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the CToT team to ensure they are knowledgeable, efficient and providing excellent client service
• Analyse and report on key performance indicators applicable to Client Take-On
• Foster and maintain clear and efficient communications with partners, fee earners and other support functions
• Monitor and track client onboarding progress, ensuring timely completion and adherence to procedures
• Effectively manage both Adhoc and ongoing client screening 
• Liaise with the Compliance team as required for guidance and advice and to arrange compliance sign off of Client Take-on files. 
• Manage the ongoing monitoring processes required for matters that remain open for one year or more. 
• Coordinate, review and streamline our group Take-On processes to increase efficiency and optimisation in conjunction with the Compliance team.
• Act as a subject matter expert whilst providing training, guidance and mentoring for the team and developing their use and documentation of the risk-based approach to client onboarding.
•  Managing performance in line with the firm's processes and procedures by conducting performance reviews and aligning the team's goals to the wider goals and objectives of the firm and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Promptly escalating any issues/risks arising to fee earners, partners, compliance team or MLRO as appropriate
• Provide assistance and support to the Head of Risk and other areas as and when required. 
• Stay informed and up to date with legal and regulatory requirements that may impact client onboarding procedures.

Skills, knowledge and expertise

Qualifications

• Educated to A-level or equivalent standard
• ICA or other relevant compliance qualification desirable

Knowledge and experience

• A solid awareness and understanding of local regulatory requirements and technical knowledge of AML
• At least 5 years' industry experience and experience in a similar role, and preferably within a legal environment
• Demonstratable experience and skills in leadership and team management Strong IT skills

Competencies

We would like you to have

• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required to develop close working relationships with colleagues and clients
• Excellent organisational skills and a meticulous attention to detail
• Strong prioritisation and time management skills and the ability to work under pressure
• Flexibility, energy and enthusiasm
• A solution driven attitude to problems
• The ability to organise and manage workflows and delegate as appropriate
• Ability to work methodically and accurately.

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.

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.

Finance Assistant – Guernsey

Overview of role

To provide support to the management of the business by maintaining accurate accounting records in respect of the Group and to assist with the Group’s annual budgeting process.  All tasks to be carried out efficiently and effectively, in accordance with Walkers' procedures.  To assist in the day to day running of the Finance function for the region working alongside the Senior Finance Manager, Head of CI Finance and Managing Partner. 

Duties, Responsibilities & Person Specification

• Prepare the schedule and prepare PDF batch of invoices to support payments
• Prepare monthly supplier and expenses payment run and ask me to approve it
• Post payments
• Operate as 4-eye reviewer of the batches prepared by the Finance Assistant and where necessary to make amends
• Enter payments / transfers on the banking platform
• Release payments in absence of Senior Finance Manager
• Reconcile the "Payroll" control accounts
• Schedule a session to review and investigate differences with Senior Finance Manager
• Update bad debt provision schedules
• Post bad debt provision journals
• Reconcile Intercompany accounts
• Post journal for Intercompany charges from other offices
• Notify other offices of our Intercompany charges to them
• Update prepayments schedules
• Prepare, upload and post prepayments journals
• Update accruals schedules
• Prepare, upload and post accruals journals
• Expenditure versus Budget reports (Marketing, HR, Ops)
• Assist with the prepare and submission of requests for information from national statistics office
• Assist with the preparation of spreadsheets and analysis spreadsheets
• Responding to audit enquiries
• Assist with the preparation of spreadsheets and schedules
• Discussions with budget holders to agree plans and costs

Education, Skills & Experience

• Previous experience desirable.  Preferably working toward a professional qualification or wishes to work towards a professional qualification.  Time barred accountants considered.

• Essential:        Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional Suite of products
• Desirable:        Aderant

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

               LEGAL SECRETARY

Sound knowledge of office procedures

Previous experience within legal practice a distinct advantage

Excellent secretarial communication skills

Work as part of a team based environment

Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise work load accordingly

Capable of working under pressure whilst maintaining a high degree of accuracy

Minimum RSA Stage II or Audio Transcription Level 2 qualification

Competitive salary is on offer, holiday allowance, private medical insurance and supportive friendly working environment.

Senior Administrator, Client Services

In this role, you'll be responsible for providing high quality administration for a portfolio of corporate and fiduciary clients with particular emphasis on the client service aspects of the business, delivering excellent client services levels at all times.  You'll be involved in the full life cycle of our clients, including the client take-on process and all aspects of the on-going administration of the client.

You will provide support to the department's management team in respect on ongoing day to day operational matters.

In return, you’ll play a key role in a team that not only aligns with the firm’s inspiring vision, values, and strategy but also upholds the highest standards in regulatory compliance and corporate governance best practices.

If you would like to join an ambitious and forward thinking firm whose inclusive culture and values recognise that its people are fundamental to its success, we would love to hear from you.  

About the role

• Manage and be responsible for the administration of a diverse portfolio of corporate and fiduciary clients and ensure that client relationships and transactions are managed effectively and to a high standard.
• Ensure that you have an understanding of the transactions you are working on, provide technical support and training to the team as and when required.
• Ensure client expectations are effectively managed and valuable relationships are nurtured so as to maximise the reputation of the team in the marketplace and the potential for repeat work and referrals.
• Assist with the incorporation of Guernsey companies and any related work in respect of the acceptance of new business.
• Ensure timely processing of work, meeting transactional and internal procedural deadlines, recording time (if applicable) and managing WIP and debt collection.
• Ensure consistent high quality client service levels are adhered to across your portfolio of clients and deal swiftly with any identified issues.
• Be familiar with and act at all times in accordance with the firm's policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Risk and Compliance team, ensuring all client due diligence is processed accurately and client reviews are up to date and keeping abreast of all relevant regulatory changes and industry standards.
• Assist with the ongoing data input and maintenance within the corporate services practice management database.
• Maintain CPD levels required for your role.
• Any other ad hoc duties as required.

About you – essential requirements

• Proven experience in a relevant role, with a demonstrable understanding of corporate, trust and fiduciary services principals and concepts.  
• Excellent organisation skills with a clear focus on prioritisation and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills; a real team player who actively promotes the Mourant values of mutual respect and collaboration.
• Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement, process efficiency and automation.
• Be part or fully qualified with STEP or ICSA and possess a keen interest in continuous personal development.
• Knowledge of specialist industry software e.g. Document ManagementSystems (Worksite) and Viewpoint will be an advantage.

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.