JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Paralegal
Reporting to:
Partner and Senior Court Runner
Department:
Commercial Dispute Resolution (Edinburgh)
1. Job Purpose
The main function of this role within the Dispute Resolution team is as a Court
Runner. The post holder is required to liaise between the Court and BTO’s legal
teams to support a range of administrative legal duties.
The post holder also has secretarial responsibilities to support the Commercial
Dispute Resolution Team and diary management responsibilities for a small
number of solicitor advocates.
2. Organisational Position
Organisation Chart available upon request.
3. Scope and Range
Post Reports to: Partner and Senior Court Runner
Direct reports: N/A
Budgetary responsibilities: N/A
The post is based in BTO’s Edinburgh Office.
4. Key Responsibilities
Court Running
 To attend Court daily
 To ensure that appropriate pleadings, productions etc. are delivered to the
Courts within relevant timeframes.
 To communicate and act as liaison between Court Clerks and BTO
solicitors.
 To enrol and administer court motions
 To provide relevant background information to the solicitors as required.
2
General Legal Administration
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Management of solicitor advocates’ diaries.
To assist solicitors with the required legal administration in order to prepare
for court cases.
Photocopying and document scanning
Filing and record keeping of case files and client information.
Liaising and assisting with a range of client management administrative
activities.
Updating legal papers.
Drafting motions and other legal documents.
Data entry duties in relevant office systems
Gathering and analysis of information.
Secretarial
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Provision of secretarial and administrative support to the Disputes
Resolution Team as required.
Drafting letters and documents such as reports and pleadings.
5. Communications and Relationships
The post holder must have effective communication and relationship skills as they
will be required to liaise with a range of internal and external contacts including the
Court Clerks, Solicitors and other legal professionals.
6. Most Challenging part of Job
Working under pressure to support solicitors in a busy litigation firm.
Requires ability to prioritise and working to tight deadlines.
Requires strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
7. Knowledge, Training and Experience Required
Essential:
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Excellent organisational and time management skills
Attention to detail and accurate record keeping/time recording.
Ability to prioritise heavy workload under pressure.
Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
Team player.
Proactive and adaptable to changing priorities.
Numerate and computer literate
3
Desirable:
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Certificate/Diploma in Paralegal Practice or equivalent
Knowledge of the law gained through education, and/or work
experience.
Experience of working in legal environment.
Knowledge of Scottish court procedures.
Adherence to ethical standards and rules of professional
responsibility.
8. Job Description Agreement
Job Holder’s Signature & Date:
Head of Department Signature & Date:
04/04/17