Paralegal - Commercial Litigation

Harrison-Drury is a market leading Firm of solicitors with offices in Lancashire, Cumbria, and Staffordshire. We’re delighted to be named one of the UK’s Best Companies to work for, for the third-year running, placing at number 40 in the Top 100 Best Mid Sized Companies to work for list. We also ranked 10th in the Best Companies to work for in the Law sector — achievements that reflect our commitment to creating a supportive, people-focused workplace.

We challenge the conventional law firm approach and focus our energy on getting great results for our clients while attracting and developing brilliant people. If you’re looking to grow your career in a team that values collaboration, development and high-quality work, this could be the role for you.

The Commercial Litigation team is seeking to recruit a Paralegal to join their busy and growing department. This role offers a blend of administrative support and junior fee-earning work, with clear opportunities to develop your skills and progress within the team. As you gain experience, you’ll support senior fee earners on higher-value and more complex matters. The role is based at our Preston office.

The Role

You will support the Commercial Litigation team with a wide range of tasks, including:

• Administration of files (hard copy and SOS): matter opening, client care letters, updates, closing and archiving

• Ensuring file compliance with regulatory standards and internal processes

• Managing critical dates and supporting senior fee earners with required actions

• Billing administration and liaison with the Finance team

• Preparing case bundles in line with CPR requirements

• Drafting and issuing correspondence under supervision

• Attending meetings, taking minutes and updating attendance notes

• Drafting documents and assisting with court documentation

• Managing meetings and logistics for fee earners

• Handling telephone enquiries and liaising with clients

• Working collaboratively with other service lines

• Training junior staff when required

• Managing new client enquiries

• Supporting individuals on work experience

• Conducting legal research

• Liaising with Counsel, the Court and other third parties

• Preparing legal updates and blog articles

• Attending Court, mediations and meetings, producing detailed notes

• Building professional relationships with clients, barristers, experts and referrers

Skills & Experience

• Experience working in a law firm or professional environment

• Previous Paralegal or similar experience within a legal team, ideally within litigation

• Experience with SOS or similar case management systems

• Experience working with central filing systems

• Comfortable dealing with clients and producing formal correspondence

Desirable Experience

• Financial report production or analysis

• Familiarity with contentious legal documents (County Court / High Court)

• Experience preparing court forms and using the Court’s e-filing system

• Strong legal research capability

Required Competencies

• Intermediate/advanced Microsoft Office skills

• Strong Adobe Acrobat skills, including PDF editing and bundle compilation

• Experience using LexisNexis, Westlaw or Practical Law

• Strong academic record (GCSE Maths & English grade C or above)

• Legal education to undergraduate level or equivalent

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing demands

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to work independently and within a team

• Client-focused, commercially aware and adaptable

• Self-motivated with a desire to learn and progress

Benefits

• Employee bonus scheme and annual pay review

• Medicash health benefits cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Holiday entitlement increases with length of service

• Paid time off for voluntary work (2 days per year)

• Free conveyancing for the purchase/sale of your primary residence

• Free individual or mirror Wills

• Employee referral scheme

• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process

• Regular social events, including our annual Christmas party and staff recognition awards

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an award-winning, people-focused firm

• Work alongside recognised experts in the field

• Enjoy a supportive culture that invests in development and wellbeing

• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing team