Paralegal I

Duties and responsibilities

• Displaying a high level of initiative and being pro-active in practice
• Drafting of documents and original correspondence still to be signed by a qualified legal professional
• Liaising with correspondent clients and attorneys
• Accurate updating of the Intellectual Property system
• Assisting with practice administration, i.e. billing, enquiries, fee collections, etc
• Dealing with urgent matters promptly and efficiently and ensuring that all urgent tasks are completed timeously
• Reading and understanding relevant legislation and conducting independent research in this regard
• Understanding all areas of practice and office procedures in their field
• Attending to trade mark renewals (local and international) as well as to recordal applications (changes of names, changes of address etc.)
• Researching legal requirements of renewals and recordals in foreign countries to ensure that documentation is in compliance with these requirements
• Sending and Receiving Email
• Checking and monitoring standing instructions
• Managing secretary/ies in his/her team

Skills and knowledge

• Computer literacy with competent typing skills
• Excellent language skills (good command of English, both written and verbal)
• Must understand the debiting procedures
• A meticulous, responsible person with a sense of urgency, who is able to prioritise duties
• A conscientious, loyal and dedicated person, with the ability to think laterally
• Someone with a professional attitude
• Ability to give clear instructions to secretary
• Prepared to work long hours where necessary
• Ability to work independently and under supervision
• Ability to handle the pressure of having to cope with large workload
• TradeMarks and / or Trade Mark Renewals experience required

Qualification/s

• Matric.
• A paralegal diploma will be advantageous.
• Familiarity with Patricia system will be advantageous.