Paralegal / Legal Assistant

**JOB TITLE**:Paralegal / Legal Assistant

**LOCATION**: Exeter (beautiful outskirts) / Hybrid working option following probation period

**SALARY**: £25,000 - £35,000 dependent on experience

**HOURS**: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm

**BENEFITS**:Excellent benefit package which includes, a company pension scheme, private medical cover, flexible working hours, hybrid option, stunning working environment and free parking.

**THE COMPANY**: A prestigious, progressive Finance company on the outskirts of Exeter, with easy access from the M5 and Exeter. Working in their modern offices in a highly desirable location which is perfect for running and bike riding at lunchor likewise making the most of the cafe / retail facilities.

**THE ROLE**:The Paralegal / Legal Assistant will provide legal support and assistance as and when required, working in partnership with the internal collections department and external solicitors, along with the wider team.

**Duties include**:

- Opening and maintaining files on the case management system;
- Preparing letters before action and other demands, in compliance with relevant Procedure Rules and Protocols
- Preparing Claim Forms and Particulars of Claim;
- Running Small Claims case load including uncontested and contested claims
- Working with, and assisting our Junior Legal Assistant

**Uncontested claims**
- Instructing High Court Enforcement Officers
- Preparing and running Charging Order Applications
- Preparing and running Third-Party Debt Order Applications

**Contested claims**
- Instructing and liaising with Company Solicitors on all matters that are not dealt with internally, where appropriate.
- Considering the Defence to the Claim and preparing a reply and/or instruct Company Solicitors, where appropriate
- Preparing and filing Directions Questionnaires
- Arranging and dealing with Court Mediation Appointments
- Instructing Court Agents, Counsel or Company Solicitors for hearings and/or trials

**Insolvency Proceedings**
- Preparing Statutory Demands and arranging for service
- Preparing and issuing Bankruptcy and/or Winding Up Petitions at the appropriate county court or by e-filing where required
- Arranging Service of Petitions and filing Statements of Service and other procedural document as required such as Certificates of Debt, List of Appearances, Statutory Advertising and Certificates of Compliance (with the assistance of our company solicitorswhere appropriate)
- Instructing Court Agents, Counsel or Company Solicitors to attend hearings
- Implementing and monitoring of payment arrangements in accordance with the Company's policies

**In general**
- Maintaining full and accurate records in the Case Management System, including attendance notes, correspondence, advice and records of payments received
- Regular reporting of case progress to the Managing Director and/or to MD's Assistant

**YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE**:

- Knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules and Practice Directions would be an advantage
- Knowledge of the Insolvency Act 1986 and Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016, particularly in relation to Bankruptcy and Winding Up proceedings would be an advantage
- Recent experience of debt recovery is essential
- A willingness to pro-actively manage a caseload and to engage with debtor's
- A team worker with the drive to ensure that the Legal Team's contribution to the wider business is effective

Office Angels acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Office Angels UK is an Equal Opportunities Employer.