Summary of the role

• We are a market-leading niche immigration law firm based in Nottingham City Centre, and we are looking for a IAAS Senior Caseworker with responsibility for an active and complex asylum caseload involving all aspects of asylum work including unaccompanied minors, adult asylum claims, fresh claims, extension applications, appeals and higher court work.
• Hybrid working to allow for remote working is available for this role.
• We are looking for someone who can act as an ambassador of the firm with excellent interpersonal skills, as well as assist in advising and supporting the asylum team. The successful candidate will be able to understand and appreciate the needs of the team and effectively balance them with the wider business needs of the firm.
• Reporting to Head of Asylum.
• Salary depending on experience.

Purpose of Job

To facilitate the provision of services to clients and staff of the Firm by:

• Carrying out client work in a professional and courteous manner.
• Complying with the rules or codes of professional conduct as set down by the Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority and other Professional Bodies.

Key Tasks

• To advise on, prepare and conduct the presentation of legal actions in courts and other tribunals on behalf of Paragon Law.
• Take instructions and inform clients of the Firm’s terms of engagement, charges and the services that the Firm provides.
• Identify the client’s objectives and the difficulties that may arise in achieving those objectives. Be aware of other legal advice the client may require.
• Prepare letters and documents.
• Maintain accurate records of all work carried out on behalf of clients and keep clients informed regularly on the progress of their matter.
• Progress files in accordance with legal and procedural time limits and in accordance with the commitment to service given to clients by the Firm and the fee earners.
• Be responsible for ensuring that the instructions of the clients and matters generally are dealt with promptly.
• Commitment to assisting those deserving of protection in the UK.
• To have a thorough appreciation of the rules, regulations and legislation relating to the work of the Asylum Team and keep informed upon new legislation.
• Meet with clients within and outside of the Company office when necessary.
• Deal with clients and other contacts on the telephone.
• At the end of the matter, ensure the client receives any monies due.
• Achieve the fee target agreed between you and your Head of Department.
• Ensure the proper financial management of files.
• Maintain client files properly by regular reviews. Open correctly client matter cards, record time and bill promptly.
• Complete timesheets daily.
• Maintain accurate personal and departmental diaries with records of dates not to be missed.
• Prepare files for archiving, ensuring correct client matter storage/disposal details are on the documentation and instructions for deletion from Accounts computer are completed before sending the files for storage.

Occasional/Special Tasks

• Report immediately to your Director and Practice Director any complaints of any nature received from a client.
• Participate in and suggest ways of maintaining current and generating new business. Be aware of cross selling our services and inform clients as such during and at the end of the matter.
• Recognise conflicts of interest and situations of money laundering and act within and to the Standards and the Rules of Professional Conduct as laid down by the Law Society and Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• Any other reasonable duties notified to you from time to time.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain a tidy/efficient office environment.
• Attend departmental meetings.
• You are expected to treat your colleagues with respect.
• You may be required from time to time to train fee-earners.
• Take personal responsibility for self-development, by attending internal and external courses to ensure familiarity with the latest changes in the Law and comply with the Law Society Regulations on Continuing Professional Development.
• The use of initiative is required in your role. If you are in doubt about any instructions always ask your Head of Department for advice/clarification
• You may have to work early or late on occasions if requested.

Personal Attributes 

Benefits

• Hybrid working. We are operating on a hybrid working arrangement to enable our employees to have flexibility and work-life balance.
• City centre location. Our office is in Hockley, Nottingham’s bustling creative centre. Not only is Hockley located in the heart of Nottingham, but it has great transport links with the surrounding areas.
• Competitive annual leave allowance. We give all employees at least 25 days annual leave allowance per year, with this number increasing after each full year of service (capped at 30 days).
• Have your birthday off. In addition to your annual leave allowance, employees get an additional day of paid leave to celebrate their birthday.
• Regular social events. We have a social committee which works to create a diverse and inclusive range of social events for all our employees to enjoy. Previous events include a ‘sports day’, a pizza party, and bowling night.
• Staff benefits scheme. All employees have access to Reward Hub, a benefits portal which gives employees access to a wellbeing centre, concierge service, an employee assistance programme, as well as providing discounts at a whole host of organisations across a range of sectors (travel, groceries, technology etc.).
• Healthcare plan. All our employees get access to a UK healthcare cash plan.
• Ongoing training and development. Employees alongside their supervisor will create a tailored training and development plan to help with their professional and personal development.

How to apply

Please send your CV and Covering Letter to hruk@paragonlaw.co.uk by 1^st September 2023.