Paralegal (Fitness to Practice)

My client a regulatory body is recruiting 3 experienced paralegals to support to the legal teams case load. This will conduct investigations and support case presenters in the preparation of cases for hearings before practice committees and the high court.

The role holders will be required to

*Initial review/analysis of information with a view to providing advice on case progression/evidence to be obtained/disclosure, with lawyer sign-off.
*Initial draft of case documentation (including some or all of the following) with lawyer sign-off: This will include –
*Investigation plans /Investigation reports / Letters/Documents in cases on appeal to the High Court /High Court claim forms and witness statements
*Case chronologies
*Conduct of investigations, including witness handling in complex and sensitive cases
*Manage a caseload of cases requiring investigation, to include taking witnesses statements and gathering documentary evidence.
*Liaise in all allocated cases with the presenting lawyer and case officer and support the presenting lawyer with hearing preparation.
*Keep informed of developments in regulatory law
*Support team members in dealing with complainants and witnesses in accordance with the witness care protocol.
*Drafting correspondents
*Liaise with and give direction to case officers and other members of the team to ensure the smooth and effective transition of cases
*Assist with the setting, monitoring and evaluating case work quality standards including sharing best practice
*Ensure that case files both manual and electronic contain all relevant review and investigation information.
*Record and maintain all actions taken and decisions to ensure that the audit trail is clear and up to date.
*Communicate and escalate to the senior layer team leader any unusual or recurring problems arising from normal work.

Successful candidates must have;

*Previously experience as a paralegal ideally in a regulatory setting
*A track record of managing your own caseload
*Experience investigating; interviewing witnesses and taking witness statements
*Case work experience; reviewing reports and assessing evidence
*Previously worked with a range of external partners
*A good understanding if professional regulation framework and fitness to practice issues and an ability to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the directorate’s work and a wider awareness of relevant areas of the business-
*Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to achieve results and plan and coordinate personal work and that the team to meet agreed objectives
*Excellent oral, written and presentation skills and the ability to communicate non-standard information
*An ability to provide advice as well as information to colleagues and external parties on both standard procedures and/or policies and non-standard issues
*Strong interviewing and interpersonal skills and the ability to develop a rapport and obtain witness confidence
*Ability to work on more complex investigation cases including misconduct and lack of competence allegations
*Legal research and analytical skills
*Able to prepare and draft legal documents