Paralegal (clinical law)

The practice

Capsticks is independently rated by the Legal 500 and Chambers directory as the leading provider of legal services to the health and social care sector and in the field of professional discipline. In June 2013 the firm also acquired a highly rated social housing practice, creating a firm with over 230 fee earners across four offices in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Winchester. The firm acts for over 200 clients, including all forms of NHS provider and commissioner organisations, the Department of Health, the NHSLA, regulatory bodies, charities, independent healthcare providers, housing associations, medical malpractice insurers and defence organisations.   

We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate that they have a genuine interest in healthcare and who wish to develop their career in this area of law.

The clinical law department comprises 60 fee earners over three offices (Wimbledon, Leeds and Birmingham). Further details on the partners in the department and the type of work carried out can be found on our website at www.capsticks.com.

The role

This is an exciting opportunity to assist a busy team. The main role and responsibilities will include (although, this is not an exhaustive list):

• reviewing and drafting witness statements;
• liaison with the courts and witnesses;
• reviewing medical records;
• drafting instructions to counsel;
• drafting instructions to send to experts;
• running a small portfolio of own cases;
• creating and updating bundles for counsel, witnesses, clients and courts; and
• assisting with a range of business development opportunities including drafting articles for publication.

Supervision, support and relevant training will be provided although the successful applicant will also be encouraged, where appropriate, to use their own initiative.

Candidate specification

Candidates should ideally have:

• an LPC or BVC qualification (LPC would be preferred);
• current/recent healthcare experience;
• experience of navigating medical records and identifying key documentation;
• litigation experience;
• proven experience of handling own caseload;
• ability to adhere to and manage deadlines;
• good drafting and writing skills;
• good communication skills;
• good administration skills; and
• basic IT skills.

Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate at interview that they are:

• well organised;
• good attention to detail;
• proactive; and
• self-motivated.

Candidates must ideally be available to start immediately (or within one month) and if you are interested in applying for this position please apply by sending your covering letter and CV via the vacancies section on our website at www.capsticks.com. The deadline for applications is 10am on Friday 11 September 2015.

Candidates should be aware:

• as part of the interview process there will be a written test, details of which will be provided to those candidates the firm calls for interview; and
• the firm is only able to respond to candidates we call for interview.

Capsticks is an equal opportunities employer

Capsticks is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and to encouraging diversity through recruitment. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and decisions to progress will be made with reference to entirely objective criteria only.