Immigration and Business consulting firm seeks a paralegal to work under the supervision of foreign attorneys in their Beirut offices.

• Note: this job description is generic and therefore, is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. The duties of a paralegal will differ depending on the needs of the attorney. The Role Key Responsibilities and Duties include: Drafting:

• A variety of applications to be presented to the Canadian, Australian and U.S immigration agencies on behalf of clients, grounds of appeal for refusal notices and legal precedents for internal BWB usage. • Legally accurate letters of advice to clients demonstrating professionalism and problem solving skills. • Understanding on Canadian Immigration Point Based System issues.

•Manage own caseload under supervision:

• Recognise the legal and practical issues associated with the matter and the appropriate action to be taken at each stage.

• Assist on the entirety of cases as well as ‘ad hoc’ duties for any given matter. Client care and support:

• Manage client expectations by discussing deadlines, costs and timing with the client.

• Ensure matters are dealt with in a timely manner. Written communication:

• Correspond with clients on a daily basis via email.

• Circulating internal legal updates to fee earners.

• Produce accurate attendance notes documenting telephone calls / meeting.

• Produce accurate memorandum documenting the results of research.

• Create / update legal precedents for the firm including immigration questionnaires, general informative letters, and template support letters which are sent to the Home Office. Verbal communication:

• Communicate directly with a variety of clients on a daily basis including senior officials and high profile clients.

• Take instruction from fee earners.

• Communicate information back to members of the team following research / problems encountered.

• Telephone the immigration agencies to clarify guidance notes / request documents / withdrawal of applications. Billing:

• Carry out billing break-down reports for clients detailing the work undertaken on behalf of the client. • Interviewing and advising:

• Record attendance notes in client meetings.

• Complete any necessary follow-up work from meetings as instructed.

• Take initial instructions from clients over the telephone and via email, analyse the facts and identify client objectives – record in a clear manner for the head of department.

• Advise clients of our costs Research:

• Research immigration case law, relevant legislation, Home Office and overseas procedures / practices by using electronic legal databases, primary sources, and relevant consulate and embassy websites / contact numbers in Lebanon and overseas. General / Administrative duties:

• Digital time recording of chargeable and non-chargeable time items. Preparing bundles.

• Attending monthly immigration meetings (internal).

• Photocopying / scanning documents.

• Amending letters.

• Proof-reading.

• Booking meeting rooms.

• Taking weekly meeting notes

• Opening / closing files.

• Certifying documents.

• Retrieving documents from the safe.

• Adding / updating contacts on our database. Itemising documents to be returned to clients. • Paying in money to accounts.

• Liaising with Passport Services (third party agent). Creating calendar invites / diary management. Creating cheque requisitions.

• Booking couriers

• Person Specification – experience and attributes required:

• A spirit of co-operation and a positive ‘can do’ attitude.

• Good at spelling and grammar.

• Ability to effectively prioritise, excellent organisation and administrative ability.

• Ability to use initiative and to work well under pressure / to deadlines.

• Good Team player.

• Professional telephone manner and the ability to take messages effectively and efficiently.

• Ability to multi-task.

• Personable, but professional.

• The flexibility to work outside normal office hours may be required from time-to-time

• Communicating with clients in writing and verbally; Excellent English verbal and written communication skills are essential including the ability to relate to people at all levels.

• Translating documents from Arabic to English and/or English to Arabic

• Researching the availability of, and then obtaining, documents from foreign countries, including visas and passports

• Coordinating paperwork related to files for immigration or citizenship, including affidavits, petitions, applications

• Previous work experience in a law firm or immigration firm (USA, Canada or Australia) Must be fluent in English, Arabic and preferably French Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and similar programs