Senior Paralegal

We are seeking a Senior Paralegal / Co-Ordinator to join the Engagement Terms Team (the ETT), within the Business Acceptance Unit at A&O Shearman Belfast.

The role of the Business Acceptance Unit is to review and advise Partners on client terms of engagement (including Outside Counsel Guidelines), as well as amendments to A&O Shearman standard terms of engagement.

The Senior Paralegal / Co-ordinator is a pivotal member of the Engagement Terms Team. This role combines advanced paralegal responsibilities with senior co-ordination duties, supporting the Head of Engagement Terms, in-house lawyers, and the wider ETT Paralegal team. The position is designed to ensure the smooth running of the team's operations, the effective management of engagement terms, and the delivery of high-quality administrative and legal support. In addition, the role involves acting as a key assistant to the Head of Engagement Terms, providing direct support and ensuring priorities and objectives are met efficiently. The role requires a proactive, organised, and detail-oriented individual who can manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively across the firm's global offices.

What you will do

Engagement Terms Team Co-ordinator Duties

• Head of ETT Support: Provide PA support to the Head of ETT, including setting meetings, maintaining calendars, and managing inboxes to ensure efficient scheduling and communication.
• Workload Management: Oversee the daily workload tracker for the team, maintaining accurate records of all reviews and attending weekly meetings with the Head of ETT to ensure the tracker is up to date and reflective of current priorities.
• ETT Calendar Management: Organise meetings for the ETT, book office spaces as required, and update the annual leave calendar for the Head of ETT to manage absence requests and ensure adequate team coverage.
• Flexible Support: Demonstrate flexibility by undertaking additional responsibilities as required, including providing support to the ETT Paralegal team in relation to other aspects of the ETT's role.
• AI Initiatives: Assist the Head of ETT and senior management with the implementation and support of AI initiatives, contributing to the team's innovation and efficiency.
• Project and Research Support: Support the Head of ETT with legal research and detail-oriented projects, manage communications across various A&O Shearman offices globally, maintain progress trackers, and take ownership of all administrative duties related to team projects. Ensure all documents are presented to a high standard.

Senior Paralegal Duties

• Legal Review Support: Report to the Head of ETT and provide support to her and the in-house lawyers in their reviews of Outside Counsel Guidelines and A&O Shearman's own form Engagement Terms.
• Paralegal and Research Support: Assist the ETT legal team with paralegal support, legal research, and other projects as required, ensuring the delivery of accurate and timely work.
• Database Management: Assist in maintaining up-to-date client and client group records within the firm's databases, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• File Management: Take responsibility for the organisation and management of files, ensuring all documentation is maintained in accordance with firm policies and is easily accessible to the team.

What you will have

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple demands and effectively prioritise tasks.
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work as part of a team and build successful working relationships.
• A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail in all aspects of the role.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders across global offices.
• Adaptability to change and a commitment to personal and professional development.
• Proactive with the ability to take ownership of tasks, demonstrate initiative, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, accurate work.
• Previous experience in a paralegal or legal administration role.

What we can offer you

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required. We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

If this role is not of interest we may have another suitable opportunity here for you at A&O Shearman! Visit our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and submit your CV to our Talent Network to be notified when the perfect opportunity becomes available.