Debt Recovery Paralegal

Defendant Debt Recovery Fee Earner Bromley £23k – £25k plus benefits

Our client is an established Legal 500 Chambers Ranked law firm with a specialism in defended Small claims work for larger organisations and local authorities.
The role is to effectively and efficiently manage a caseload of debt collection claims which fall within the small claims court track, from the point of being notified that a claim is being defended to obtaining judgements/settlement, with the aim of recovering money for clients and meeting and preferably exceeding individual and team targets. Further providing advice to client?s as to the merits of claims prior to them proceeding with legal action.
In addition the role may call for the individual to assist the head of department in dealing with higher value debt claims relating to the recovery of residential and home care charges on behalf of the firms local authority clients.

KEY TASK AREAS
? To undertake proceedings and obtain court judgements for defended claims, including:
o Reviewing and assessing for liability all cases passed across by the legal teams
o Gathering additional documentation as required, including the preparation of witness statements
o Timely filing of the relevant papers to the court service, using standard forms and documentation
o Instructing and briefing Counsel prior to hearings
o Ensuring timely service of judgements to the defendant(s)
o Complying with departmental diary systems relating to key/critical dates
? To assist in dealing with residential and home care charges cases to include where necessary
? Drafting and issuing proceedings
? Investigating asset position of Debtors who have passed away
? Assisting where necessary with home visitTo build and maintain effective professional relationships with clients
? To communicate effectively with all parties e.g. court service, clients, third parties/debtors & tracing agents, both on the telephone and in person
? To review incoming post and prioritise accordingly
? To manage and process high volumes of telephone calls effectively
? To produce non-standard written correspondence to a high standard
? To deal swiftly with client complaints in line with the departmental standards and the firm?s complaints procedure
o To adhere to company standards, policies and procedures at all times
o To contribute positively to departmental and firm-wide activities
o To undertake relevant training as required

KEY REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications
? Educated to GCSE standard grade A-C in Mathematics and English (or equivalent)
? Qualifying Law Degree or Other Degree with relevant Common Professional Examination (CPE) and
? Legal Practice Course
? ILEX Legal Executive Diploma Level 3
Experience
? At least 1 years? experience running a caseload including small claim track (or higher value) civil litigation cases
? Previous experience of working in a similar role handling defended small claims
? Previous experience of using case management systems
? Previous experience of handling local authority debt collection and dealing with the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (desirable)
Knowledge
? An understanding and knowledge of all aspects of the work areas, tasks and procedures, including court processes and procedures? Candidate will not be expected to have an existing knowledge of the law relating to the recovery of home care and residential care charges.
Skills and Abilities
? Good problem solving skills
? Strong relationship management skills
? Ability to operate and maintain agreed office administration procedures
? Ability to learn new processes and systems quickly
? Must be organised, methodical and accurate
? Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
? Ability to work without close supervision
? Ability to work effectively as part of a team
? Good communication skills both verbally and in writing
? IT literate including good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications
? Ability to think ahead and use initiative
? Ability to communicate courteously in a clear and concise manner with both clients and colleagues
? A polite, friendly and confident telephone manner
? Excellent time management skills
? Conscientious and common sense approach to work
? High levels of accuracy and good attention to detail

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity or other opportunities in the market then contact Leilani Reader or call for a confidential discussion.

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