Legal Assistant

Job Description

Are you an experienced Legal Assistant looking for the next step in your careerWe are proud to be working with a progressive finance company who have a unique opportunity for a Legal Assistant to join the company and play a pivotal role in the business. This is a non-traditional Legal Assistant role, offering autonomy and plenty ofopportunity for the successful candidate!JOB TITLE: Legal AssistantLOCATION: Exeter (beautiful outskirts)SALARY: £28,000 - £35,000 dependent on experienceHOURS: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pmBENEFITS: Excellent benefit package which includes, a company pension scheme, private medical cover, excellent 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 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.This is a new role and offers the successful candidate the chance to really develop it and make it their own.Duties include:

• Dealing with a portfolio of cases, which involves - managing payment plans, Issuing P7 claims, Issuing statutory demands, Dealing with FCA complaints
• 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

Uncontested claims

• Applying for default Judgment
• Instructing High Court Enforcement Officers
• Preparing and running Charging Order Applications
• Preparing and running Third-Party Debt Order Applications

Contested claims

• Considering the Defence to the Claim and preparing a Reply where appropriate
• Preparing and filing Directions Questionnaires
• Arranging and dealing with Court Mediation Appointments
• Preparing documents for disclosure, drafting Disclosure Statements and Lists for review by the External Solicitors
• Preparing Witness Statements and Exhibits in accordance with relevant Rules and Practice Directions
• Preparing for and attending Pre-trial reviews where required
• Preparing Trial and other Hearing Bundles
• Drafting interim applications where required
• Instructing Court Agents or Counsel 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
• Preparation of Hearing Bundles and arranging filing and service
• Preparation of non-originating applications where required
• Instructing Court Agents or Counsel to attend hearings
• Implementing and monitoring of payment arrangements in accordance with the Legal teams 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
• Assisting in other legal issues as and when required by the wider business.

YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• You will have experience dealing with the administration surrounding debt recovery
• 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 debtors and other stakeholders is essential
• A team worker with the drive to ensure that the Legal Teams contribution to the wider business is effective

TO APPLY: Please apply online, call our office on or emailOffice 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.By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Office Angels. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explaining how we will use your information is available on our website.