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IP Support.

We specialise in IP and business services vacancies for private practice firms, in-house legal teams, and IP service providers.

Established in 1997, The Law Support Group is a longstanding and leading name in the legal recruitment industry. IP Support is the most recent addition to the group, headed up by experienced IP Paralegal and IP Recruitment Manager, Daniel John.

IP Support specialises in the recruitment of professional and business service support staff of all levels. Patent & Trade Mark Secretaries, Administrators, Formalities Clerks and Paralegals all come to us for our advice, expertise and ability to confidentially guide them through their careers. We also partner Accounts, HR, Finance, IT, BD & Marketing and Office Support Services staff in their search for a new position.

We are also able to assist technical staff in their search for a new opportunity and have successfully recruited a number of Patent Analysts, Searchers and IP Managers. Our ability to understand the scope of the work carried out in these roles has been instrumental in us gaining candidates and clients trust in such a specialist area.

Our knowledge of the IP industry paralleled with The Law Support Group’s broad client reach enables us to present candidates with an unrivalled variety of unique opportunities. Acting for clients throughout the UK and Europe, our informative consultants work with a wide variety of businesses, from Patent & Trade Mark Attorney practices to in-house IP departments, magic and silver circle law firms, US and International law firms and specialist boutique practices.

Advising such a variety of clients on all recruitment matters provides us with a deep understanding of the IP market. We regularly advise on recruitment strategies, salary surveys, benefits packages, departmental set-ups and much more. We also advise candidates on career opportunities, alternative career paths and the IP market in general.

Our ability to listen and think outside of the box has been paramount in assisting candidates and clients find the perfect match. We recognise that every IP department operates differently which is why we focus on matching individuals to careers, not job titles.

Whether you work in private practice or are a part of an in-house team, whether you are looking for a new position or looking for a new addition to your team, our consultants are always happy to take a call.

IP Support.

Here’s where you can put a face to the name! Take a look at all of our experienced and helpful team members profiles’ below. You'll find contact details for each person here, too.

IP Support.

IP Support
IP Administrator
Cambridge
££ - Competitive
IP Administrator – Cambridge | 12-Month FTC Are you an experienced IP Administrator. A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join a highly regarded professional services firm in their Cambridge office on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The Role You will provide essential administrative support within a busy IP team, helping to ensure patent and intellectual property matters are processed accurately and efficiently. Your responsibilities will include: • Processing incoming correspondence and updating the IP case management system• Generating and forwarding documentation to clients and external parties• Electronic filing and document management• Monitoring deadlines and reminder lists• Liaising with external parties to resolve queries and obtain instructions• Maintaining accurate case records and documentation• Supporting case creation, case administration, filing and post-filing activities About You The successful candidate will ideally have: • Previous administrative experience within a legal environment• Excellent written and verbal communication skills• Strong IT skills, including MS Office and Outlook• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills• The ability to manage deadlines and work under pressure• A proactive and methodical approach Experience within Intellectual Property, a document management system or a CIPA Administrator qualification would be advantageous, but is not essential. The firm offers an excellent salary and benefits and hybrid working 60% remote. Please get in touch with me for further information or to apply confidentially.
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IP Support
Patent Administrator
Manchester
££ - Competitive
Patent Administrator / Patent Paralegal Manchester | 12 MTH FTC| Full Time | Hybrid Working This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Patent Administrator or Patent Paralegal looking to join a supportive and well-established IP environment and further develop their career. The firm offer hybrid working, excellent benefits and market competitive salary. Working within a busy and collaborative team, you will provide comprehensive support to qualified and trainee Patent Attorneys working across a range of technical areas. The Role This is a varied position offering exposure to a broad range of patent administration and paralegal responsibilities. Duties will include: Preparing documentation relating to UK, European and International patent applications, including PCT applications. Preparing and amending technical documents, forms and correspondence. Monitoring patent formalities and deadlines and liaising with internal Records teams where necessary. Maintaining case and client records, including formalities information. Assisting with information gathering from IP offices and online databases, including the EPO, UKIPO and WIPO. Assisting with assignments, changes of name and address, and other recordal matters. Preparing documentation for execution and coordinating instructions with overseas associates. Preparing correspondence and reporting letters for clients. Instructing overseas agents in connection with patent, design and trade mark filings, including PCT national phase applications. Managing incoming and outgoing communications and supporting Attorneys with client correspondence. Maintaining Attorney diaries and assisting with workload and deadline monitoring. Preparing cost estimates, status reports and portfolio schedules. Assisting with billing administration, including adding official fees and service charges and preparing invoices. Maintaining accurate client information and records on the firm's IP management system. Providing general administrative support, including arranging meetings, travel and other ad hoc requirements. About You The successful candidate will have previous experience providing patent administrative support either as a patent administrator or patent paralegal. The CIPA (or similar qualification) is desirable but not essential. Key skills and experience include: Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. The ability to work independently and use your own initiative. Strong attention to detail. The ability to manage a busy workload and respond to changing priorities. A proactive and approachable team-player attitude. Strong Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook skills. The willingness and ability to learn new systems and procedures. Any current or planned study commitments/costs a candidate may have currently supported by their employer will be happily adopted by this client. Please apply today for further information.
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IP Support
HR Operations Coordinator
London
£40000 - £45000
A leading intellectual property law firm is seeking a People Operations Coordinator to join its People team on a 6-month fixed-term contract, full time, hybrid working in London. The Role Reporting to the People Operations Manager, you'll be an integral part of a small, busy People team supporting the full employee lifecycle. Working closely across People Operations, Recruitment, Learning & Development and People Business Partnering, you'll monitor shared inboxes and act as first point of contact for employee and manager queries. Key Responsibilities Manage end-to-end administration across onboarding, probation, performance reviews and offboarding. Act as first point of contact for People queries via ticketing system, phone and email, advising managers and employees on policy and process. Maintain accurate, GDPR-compliant People records and systems (HRIS, LMS, ATS). Run and manipulate reports on key metrics such as absence, turnover and payroll in Excel. Support payroll, benefits and global mobility administration. Coordinate reviews of People policies and handbooks. Assist with recruitment administration, interview scheduling and onboarding of new hires, including induction and follow-up check-ins. Support employee engagement surveys, pay reviews and note-taking in ER meetings. Identify opportunities to streamline and automate People processes. What We're Looking For Demonstrable HR Administrator/Assistant experience, ideally within an HR Shared Service or Helpdesk environment; professional services background preferred. Strong customer service focus and ability to build relationships quickly. Experience with HR systems, records and reporting. Proficient in MS 365 (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Proactive, well-organised, with strong attention to detail and discretion. A genuine interest in building a career in HR. What's on Offer A competitive benefits package including generous annual leave, above-market pension contributions, private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, wellbeing support and a paid volunteer day.
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IP Support
Records Administrator
London
Up to - £51,000
IP Support Specialist (Patent Records Administrator) About Our Client Our client is a well-established and internationally renowned firm of European and UK patent, trade mark and design attorneys seeking an experienced Patent Records Administrator for their London team. The RoleAn excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced IP Support Specialist to join a busy Patent Records team. Reporting to the Patent Records Supervisor, you'll play a key role in the smooth running of the firm's patent formalities function — from booking new cases and processing correspondence to maintaining records on the case management system database and managing critical deadlines. You may also have the opportunity to get involved in wider process improvement projects, working alongside the Patent Records Supervisor, Formalities Manager and IP Projects & Data Integrity Manager. Key Responsibilities Running the daily critical list process, including chasing fee earners to ensure all patent deadlines are met Processing and distributing incoming correspondence (email, post, fax), diarising due dates and updating the case management system accordingly Entering new patent cases onto the records system and maintaining accurate records (name changes, assignments, references, etc.) Supporting maintenance of the names database (mergers, entity name/address changes) Providing due date schedules and client-specific reports to fee earners Entering publication details and diarising related due dates Managing the Records team's case management system reminders programme Abandoning pending patent records as instructed by fee earners Preparing bespoke reports to support data quality and client requirements Checking, logging and filing new patent filings online, including verifying fees and filing receipts Monitoring and processing EP third-year renewal fee instructions Assisting with training and general office duties as required Liaising with partners, fee earners and other departments as necessary Systems Used Client record management system Microsoft Office Suite Online filing portals (EPO OLF, IPO, ePCT) Outlook iManage About You Ideally you will be CIPA qualification with a minimum of 5 years' experience in patent formalities within an IP practice, ideally within a partnership model Solid experience of a record management system, including: Updating cases and portfolios Global/bulk changes Updating and creating names records Deadline management Case abandonment Bespoke reporting Confident, professional communication skills, both written and verbal Excellent attention to detail and accuracy Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of work and meet tight deadlines A collaborative, adaptable approach and a proactive attitude to process improvement What's on Offer A competitive salary plus excellent benefits and hybrid working.   Interested in finding out more? Get in touch today to have a confidential conversation about this exciting opportunity.
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IP Support
Patent Administrator
London
£40,000 - £50,000
Patent Administrator – 16-Month FTC London | Hybrid Working | Full-Time Are you an experienced Patent Administrator looking for your next opportunity within a highly regarded Intellectual Property firm? We are currently recruiting for a Patent Administrator to join an established and highly respected IP practice in London on a 16-month fixed-term contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a busy and supportive Patents Records & Formalities team, working closely with Patent Attorneys and colleagues across the business. The Role As a key member of the Patents team, you will be responsible for a broad range of patent administration, records and formalities duties, supporting cases from filing through to grant. Your responsibilities will include: Docketing and processing incoming correspondence Monitoring deadlines and reminding fee earners of upcoming actions Dealing with queries and updates relating to patent cases Opening and entering new cases onto the IP management system Checking and filing new patent applications and forms Preparing and submitting filings via EPOline and ePCT Carrying out formalities checks on official correspondence from the EPO, WIPO and UKIPO Processing changes to client instructions Handling online fee payments Producing filing estimates when required Completing post-filing checks Distributing incoming correspondence and filings within the team Assisting with the training of other members of staff The Successful Candidate To be considered for this opportunity, you will ideally have previous experience working within an IP firm or in-house IP department, with a strong understanding of patent procedures and administration. You will have: Previous Patent Administration, Records or Formalities experience A good working knowledge of patent procedures, including overseas procedures Experience using Inprotech Knowledge of EPOline and ePCT Excellent attention to detail and the ability to identify incomplete or incorrect information Strong written and verbal communication skills The ability to manage deadlines and work effectively with minimal supervision A proactive approach and the ability to use your own initiative Strong Microsoft Office skills A willingness to learn and develop new skills The CIPA Administration Certificate would be advantageous but is not essential. If you are currently enrolled on the CIPA course this client would be happy to take on the costs from your current employer. Salary & Benefits In return, you will receive a competitive salary and a market leading benefits package. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Patent Administrator or Patent Paralegal to join a collaborative and well-established IP team where you will play an important role in supporting a busy patent practice. Apply now or contact us for further information about this exciting opportunity.
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IP Support
Patent Administrator
Bristol
££ - Competitive
Patent Administrator / Patent Paralegal Bristol | Permanent | Full Time | Hybrid Working This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Patent Administrator or Patent Paralegal looking to join a supportive and well-established IP environment and further develop their career. The firm offer hybrid working, excellent benefits and market competitive salary. Working within a busy and collaborative team, you will provide comprehensive support to qualified and trainee Patent Attorneys working across a range of technical areas. The Role This is a varied position offering exposure to a broad range of patent administration and paralegal responsibilities. Duties will include: Preparing documentation relating to UK, European and International patent applications, including PCT applications. Preparing and amending technical documents, forms and correspondence. Monitoring patent formalities and deadlines and liaising with internal Records teams where necessary. Maintaining case and client records, including formalities information. Assisting with information gathering from IP offices and online databases, including the EPO, UKIPO and WIPO. Assisting with assignments, changes of name and address, and other recordal matters. Preparing documentation for execution and coordinating instructions with overseas associates. Preparing correspondence and reporting letters for clients. Instructing overseas agents in connection with patent, design and trade mark filings, including PCT national phase applications. Managing incoming and outgoing communications and supporting Attorneys with client correspondence. Maintaining Attorney diaries and assisting with workload and deadline monitoring. Preparing cost estimates, status reports and portfolio schedules. Assisting with billing administration, including adding official fees and service charges and preparing invoices. Maintaining accurate client information and records on the firm's IP management system. Providing general administrative support, including arranging meetings, travel and other ad hoc requirements. About You The successful candidate will have previous experience providing patent administrative support either as a patent administrator or patent paralegal. The CIPA (or similar qualification) is desirable but not essential. Key skills and experience include: Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. The ability to work independently and use your own initiative. Strong attention to detail. The ability to manage a busy workload and respond to changing priorities. A proactive and approachable team-player attitude. Strong Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook skills. The willingness and ability to learn new systems and procedures. Any current or planned study commitments/costs a candidate may have currently supported by their employer will be happily adopted by this client. Please apply today for further information.
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IP Support
Patent Administrator
Brighton
££ - Competitive
Patent Administrator / Patent Paralegal Brighton | 12 MTH FTC| Full Time | Hybrid Working This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Patent Administrator or Patent Paralegal looking to join a supportive and well-established IP environment and further develop their career. The firm offer hybrid working, excellent benefits and market competitive salary. Working within a busy and collaborative team, you will provide comprehensive support to qualified and trainee Patent Attorneys working across a range of technical areas. The Role This is a varied position offering exposure to a broad range of patent administration and paralegal responsibilities. Duties will include: Preparing documentation relating to UK, European and International patent applications, including PCT applications. Preparing and amending technical documents, forms and correspondence. Monitoring patent formalities and deadlines and liaising with internal Records teams where necessary. Maintaining case and client records, including formalities information. Assisting with information gathering from IP offices and online databases, including the EPO, UKIPO and WIPO. Assisting with assignments, changes of name and address, and other recordal matters. Preparing documentation for execution and coordinating instructions with overseas associates. Preparing correspondence and reporting letters for clients. Instructing overseas agents in connection with patent, design and trade mark filings, including PCT national phase applications. Managing incoming and outgoing communications and supporting Attorneys with client correspondence. Maintaining Attorney diaries and assisting with workload and deadline monitoring. Preparing cost estimates, status reports and portfolio schedules. Assisting with billing administration, including adding official fees and service charges and preparing invoices. Maintaining accurate client information and records on the firm's IP management system. Providing general administrative support, including arranging meetings, travel and other ad hoc requirements. About You The successful candidate will have previous experience providing patent administrative support either as a patent administrator or patent paralegal. The CIPA (or similar qualification) is desirable but not essential. Key skills and experience include: Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. The ability to work independently and use your own initiative. Strong attention to detail. The ability to manage a busy workload and respond to changing priorities. A proactive and approachable team-player attitude. Strong Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook skills. The willingness and ability to learn new systems and procedures. Any current or planned study commitments/costs a candidate may have currently supported by their employer will be happily adopted by this client. Please apply today for further information.
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IP Support
Patent Administrator
Birmingham
££ - Competitive
Patent Administrator / Patent Paralegal Birmingham | 12 MTH FTC| Full Time | Hybrid Working This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Patent Administrator or Patent Paralegal looking to join a supportive and well-established IP environment and further develop their career. The firm offer hybrid working, excellent benefits and market competitive salary. Working within a busy and collaborative team, you will provide comprehensive support to qualified and trainee Patent Attorneys working across a range of technical areas. The Role This is a varied position offering exposure to a broad range of patent administration and paralegal responsibilities. Duties will include: Preparing documentation relating to UK, European and International patent applications, including PCT applications. Preparing and amending technical documents, forms and correspondence. Monitoring patent formalities and deadlines and liaising with internal Records teams where necessary. Maintaining case and client records, including formalities information. Assisting with information gathering from IP offices and online databases, including the EPO, UKIPO and WIPO. Assisting with assignments, changes of name and address, and other recordal matters. Preparing documentation for execution and coordinating instructions with overseas associates. Preparing correspondence and reporting letters for clients. Instructing overseas agents in connection with patent, design and trade mark filings, including PCT national phase applications. Managing incoming and outgoing communications and supporting Attorneys with client correspondence. Maintaining Attorney diaries and assisting with workload and deadline monitoring. Preparing cost estimates, status reports and portfolio schedules. Assisting with billing administration, including adding official fees and service charges and preparing invoices. Maintaining accurate client information and records on the firm's IP management system. Providing general administrative support, including arranging meetings, travel and other ad hoc requirements. About You The successful candidate will have previous experience providing patent administrative support either as a patent administrator or patent paralegal. The CIPA (or similar qualification) is desirable but not essential. Key skills and experience include: Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. The ability to work independently and use your own initiative. Strong attention to detail. The ability to manage a busy workload and respond to changing priorities. A proactive and approachable team-player attitude. Strong Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook skills. The willingness and ability to learn new systems and procedures. Any current or planned study commitments/costs a candidate may have currently supported by their employer will be happily adopted by this client. Please apply today for further information.
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Latest News.

ILSPA discounts on legal secretary and paralegal skills courses
ILSPA discounts on legal secretary and paralegal skills courses

ILSPA is offering its members a 20% discount on its Advanced Single Subject Legal Courses, which was previously only applicable to ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma graduates. The usual course price is £300, but with the 20% discount there is a saving of £60, making the cost £240 – which can be paid either in full or in interest-free instalments. Many of ILSPA’s members work in specific legal departments, such as litigation or family law. “Being able to advance your knowledge and skills in the area you work in will not only help you perform better in your role, but it will also show your employers that you are dedicated to your job,” said ILSPA. “If you are working in a certain area of law at the moment and you would like a change, that’s another good reason to study one of our advanced-level courses – you can acquire the knowledge and skills you need to make the move to another department or firm.” ILSPA offers candidates looking for a job in the legal profession a range of subjects, including Civil Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Land Law and Conveyancing, Family Law – and Wills, Probate and Administration. “Our advanced level courses will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the area of law you study, as well as some paralegal skills,” added ILSPA. “This means that your employer will be able to give you more responsibility in your role, which could potentially lead to a pay raise or promotion. “Our courses are available to study online by distance learning – you can start at any time of the year and study at your own pace.” Students have up to one year to complete ILSPA courses, although students generally complete them within six months, depending on how much time they dedicate to their studies. All course materials and resources are available online through the student area of the ILSPA website. “When you enrol, you will be able to log in and access everything you need – when studying from home, you can receive help and support during the course from your Course Assessor or a member of our team,” added ILSPA. “There are no examinations for the courses – the subjects are assessed through coursework which you must send to us to be marked. “You are required to complete an online multiple-choice achievement test and a written assignment – your assignment will either include a series of questions relating to the area of law you have chosen, or be a scenario in which you are to advise on the correct legal proceedings.” ILSPA added that graduates would not only be able to show their knowledge of law after studying the course, but also demonstrate their paralegal skills. The Law Support Group covers all areas of recruitment – from support staff to fee-earner level recruitment – for both regional and international banking and law firms here in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Our website is updated regularly and the latest legal support jobs – including legal secretary jobs – are available online.

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Law firms Moore Blatch and Barlow Robbins to merge
Law firms Moore Blatch and Barlow Robbins to merge

Leading UK law firms Moore Blatch and Barlow Robbins have agreed to merge – and will commence trading as Moore Barlow from 1 May. The new firm will have offices in Southampton, Guildford, Woking and Lymington, as well as two locations in London – Richmond and the City of London, offering a wide range of services to clients. Sectors covered by the new firm will include Education, Family Law, Financial Services, Healthcare, Housebuilding, Manufacturing and Logistics, Retail and Leisure, Rural Affairs, Personal Injury  – and Technology, Media and Communications. Moore Barlow will have 70 partners, as well as 272 lawyers and legal professionals such as legal support staff and paralegals, with a total staff of nearly 500 across the six UK offices. The firm will have a combined turnover of almost £40 million, putting it well within the roster of the UK’s top 100 law firms, said a statement. “In terms of clients, Moore Barlow will be focused primarily on meeting the needs of private individuals and families, owners and managers of fast-moving organisations and businesses – and people whose lives have been affected by serious accidents or negligence. “Each of these groups requires relationship-oriented legal advisors, who are dedicated to helping them find the best path through complex, difficult or stressful situations – a focus and approach which will set Moore Barlow apart in the marketplace. “At the heart of the firm’s proposition will be a singular focus on people, both when it comes to clients and the firm’s 500-strong workforce across the UK.” Managing partner of Moore Blatch, Ed Whittington, added:“There is a unique opportunity to bring together the absolute best of our two organisations – both outstanding firms with deep regional roots, strong areas of specialism and dedicated teams of exceptional talent. “By combining our respective and highly complementary areas of expertise within a culture of excellence and support, we will be one of very few firms with the breadth, depth and resources to meet all the needs of our core client groups. “Moving forward with a clear vision and building on a shared set of values, Moore Barlow is poised to become a national leader in our chosen fields.” CEO of Barlow Robbins, Helen Goatley, said: “We feel strongly that the focus on people which lies at the heart of Moore Barlow will truly set us apart in the marketplace. “For clients looking for a relationship-led service, we offer a strong commitment to achieving better outcomes for people, whether they are individuals, families, managers, leaders or entrepreneurs – and particularly those encountering opportunity, challenge or life-altering circumstances. “Today’s top talent also want the right mix of a stimulating, rewarding career alongside a fulfilling work-life balance – an experience which we feel Moore Barlow will be uniquely suited to offer and from which our clients can only benefit.” The Law Support Group covers all areas of recruitment – from support staff to fee-earner level recruitment – for both regional and international banking and law firms here in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Our website is updated regularly and the latest legal support jobs – including lawyer jobs, legal assistant jobs, paralegal jobs, document reviewer jobs, legal secretary jobs and patent administrator jobs – are available online.

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SRA disability inclusion survey sets out good practice in legal profession
SRA disability inclusion survey sets out good practice in legal profession

An SRA survey on disability has found that many people working in the legal profession are still reluctant to discuss their needs with employers. A survey of 3,000 legal firms also found examples of specific initiatives and approaches within individual firms, which are delivering positive outcomes for employees and clients alike. “According to our most recent statistics, three per cent of solicitors currently declare they have a disability – a figure virtually unchanged in the last ten years,” said the SRA. “This compares to figures released by the Government which estimate that thirteen per cent of the overall workforce in the UK have a disability.” Under reporting disability to employers involved concern that declaring a disability might suggest a lower level of competency, or there might be a lack of opportunities for staff to request reasonable adjustments within a supportive environment – as well as legal firms not having policies, practices and procedures in place to help disabled staff.  Good practice examples within the report focused on seven key areas – including culture, leadership, recruitment and making reasonable adjustments. Under each area the report provides general advice, top tips and case study examples from specific named firms. SRA Chief Executive Paul Philip said:  “It is important that people who need legal services have access to a profession that is diverse and inclusive. “We know that diverse businesses are better businesses, so wanted to find out more about what lies behind the apparent under-declaration of disabilities in the legal workforce. “Our new report also looks at what firms can do to promote a much more disability inclusive working environment, highlighting best practice.” As well as the 3,000 law firms surveyed about their policies and practices, the SRA also engaged directly with disability experts and disabled solicitors – and also conducted a review of existing published research on the topic of disability in the workplace. The report Promoting disability inclusion in law firms – setting out good practice is available online. The Law Support Group covers all areas of recruitment – from support staff to fee-earner level recruitment – for both regional and international banking and law firms here in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Our website is updated regularly and the latest legal support jobs – including lawyer jobs, legal assistant jobs, paralegal jobs, document reviewer jobs, legal secretary jobs and patent administrator jobs – are available online.

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