Firm Profile

gunner cooke is a Top 75 law firm recognised by over 80 industry awards. Launched in 2010, the firm has rapidly grown to over 500 lawyers across 14 global offices in the UK, US, Germany and Austria. Our breadth of expertise covers some of the most interesting and important emerging disciplines, from ESG and charity law, to blockchain and competition.

Collaboration is at the forefront of our award-winning culture and is what sets our firm apart from the rest. gunnercooke operates as a fee share model meaning our professionals join as self-employed advisors, free to design and develop the practice they’ve always wanted. Our firm brings together the most ambitious and commercially minded people, who build and work in dynamic teams of their choosing, to best suit their clients’ needs.

Our purpose is simple; to deliver a positive impact for our clients, provide a better life for our people and to leave a better world than we found. Our charitable arm, the gunnercooke foundation, enables us to directly engage with communities on social issues and to help charitable organisations grow.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated graduate to develop their legal career in a high-performing team which is ranked in Legal 500 in respect of Commercial litigation: Bristol and Sport: Horse Racing & Equestrian.

This position offers an excellent foundation for advancing to a Trainee Solicitor, a path that many of our Paralegals have successfully taken.

The Role

We are looking for a Commercial Litigation Paralegal to join a strong team in Bristol city centre .

This is a hands-on role in which you will be involved in a diverse range of complex commercial, property and sports litigation. You will work closely with the senior team to hone your skills and progress your legal career. You will have a sense of commercial pragmatism, a bright mind and a strong team ethos.

You will be integral to the day-to-day running of the team and gain experience of the business of legal practice. This is not a volume role – you will be involved with challenging, fast-changing litigation where no two days are the same. If it’s exposure to a wide range of litigation you’re after, with plenty of client contact, then this could be the role for you.

You will be involved with the complete management of files, taking instructions from senior members of the team and ensuring that procedures are effectively handled, whilst taking on some responsibility for department administration.

Day-to-day Duties

• Carrying out legal research and analysis, presenting results and using it to inform notes or first drafts of advice.
• Drafting legal documents and correspondence
• Interacting with clients directly, under supervision
• Making effective use of information and case management/filing systems

(whether electronic or hard copy), including storing and retrieving information

• Assisting with financial management of files
• Assisting with file opening including preparing draft retainer letters and ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations
• Taking detailed instructions from fee earners and providing regular updates on progress
• Creating bundles and document lists for hearings and trials, ensuring compliance with Court guidelines
• Filing documents and corresponding with the Court
• Document and project management
• Managing case timelines and key deadlines
• General administration and support

Your Skills and Experience

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Diligent and hard-working
• Strong attention to detail
• You will be able to work independently and manage your time effectively in order to hit deadlines
• Team player
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise your workload
• Good knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook is required
• You will have a strong academic background and a degree in law or completion of the law conversion course
• Drive to continue learning

Benefits of working for our team

• Competitive salary
• Excellent private health insurance including access to GP and mental health support
• Workplace pension scheme
• All our employees are encouraged to take a ‘Wellbeing Hour’ each week during work hours
• You will have access to a broad range of training courses and webinars to help you develop your skills

For immediate consideration send your CV & Cover letter to legalvacancies@gunnercooke.com