Description

About the role

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Litigation Paralegal/Legal Assistant to support our Disputes team in a full-time, on-site role in our Melbourne CBD office.

Nicholson Ryan Lawyers has a busy commercial and regulatory disputes practice, acting for ASX-listed companies, private companies, and individuals. Many of our litigation matters are complex and large scale, and we also maintain an active debt recovery practice.

As a key member of our team, you will help ensure matters progress efficiently. You will assist in running debt recovery matters under the supervision of a senior lawyer and provide litigation support to lawyers across commercial and regulatory disputes.

The experience and attributes we are looking for:

•       Previous experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or litigation support professional, ideally in debt recovery and/or disputes.
•       Excellent organisational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines effectively.
•       Strong written and verbal communication skills and a practical, client-focused approach.
•       Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, and the ability to learn practice management, court filing systems and using AI assisted tools.
•       Ability to prioritise tasks, follow procedures and work accurately under supervision.
•       A collaborative mindset and a genuine desire to contribute to a supportive team.
•       Discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential and sensitive information.
•       Familiarity with Victorian court procedures and/or electronic court filing systems (experience in other jurisdictions is desirable but not a requirement). 

Requirements

Your responsibilities will include:

Drafting and preparation

• Draft and prepare client correspondence, letters of demand, pleadings and procedural forms using firm templates.
• Draft routine file notes and procedural documents under lawyer supervision.

Debt recovery and disputes progression

• Progress initial demands and claims, obtain instructions and provide matter updates to clients.
• Develop an understanding of case strategy and contribute to efficient matter progression.

Litigation support and court work

• Prepare document chronologies, briefs to counsel, and court books / hearing bundles.
• Assist with evidence and document management (reviewing, indexing, and organising key documents).
• File and serve court documents, including via electronic court filing platforms, as required.

Matter management and compliance

• Manage key steps in the client file process, including file opening, maintaining matter records, and ensuring compliance requirements, including AML and costs disclosures are met.
• Diarise and monitor court dates and procedural deadlines to support timely progression.

Searches and basic research

• Conduct basic searches, including company, property, and court searches. 
• Assist with factual and legal research where required.

Liaison

• Liaise with clients and external stakeholders (including counsel, courts/tribunals, experts, and process servers) as needed.