Knowledge Paralegal - Real Estate

We are looking for a Knowledge Paralegal to support the Real Estate Division.

The Penningtons Manches Cooper Knowledge Team are a collaborative, vibrant team that form a conduit between the fee-earning and central teams to deliver a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Their strength and depth are recognised in the legal industry, being shortlisted for the LexisNexis Knowledge & Innovation award 2025.

The Knowledge Team comprises specialist knowledge lawyers (up to partner level) as well as central knowledge management professionals providing knowledge and information services working alongside our two legal technology specialists. The team sits within the wider Best Practice Group which includes specialists in risk/compliance, data governance, learning and development, legal project management, document automation and innovation. Together they work collaboratively with one aim in mind: to make things better. Better for our employees, better for our business, and better for our clients. They identify problems, and solve those problems by engaging with people, processes and technology. They help individuals, teams and the firm achieve strategic goals, maximise operational efficiency, drive innovation, facilitate change and create value from the firm’s knowledge assets.

This position will involve working closely with the Real Estate teams and the Knowledge Team to deliver the knowledge and firmwide strategy and support the development of innovative ways in which to better serve our clients and support our fee earners. The Knowledge Paralegal will support the Real Estate Knowledge Lawyers with their day-to-day tasks which will help them to meet their departments’ knowledge and learning requirements.

Penningtons Manches Cooper’s Real Estate Division is one of the largest teams in the firm and one of the largest teams amongst law firm competitors. The division’s experience covers all types of real estate transactions including investment property, property development, joint ventures, property lending, landlord and tenant issues, high value residential and social housing.

• legal research and assisting Knowledge Lawyers in dealing with legal queries raised by fee earners;
• assisting the other members of the team in providing timely updates to each department on legal and market developments;
• assisting with the maintenance and development of legal precedents (including the preparation of documents for automation);
• supporting the organisation and delivery of the legal training programmes;
• the collection, storage, maintenance and sharing of internal and external legal and market know-how;
• the testing of various knowledge/legal technology tools, assisting with implementation and training and assisting with the use of AI tools on real estate due diligence projects;
• keeping the intranet up to date – uploading and removing documents, updating links, correcting corrupted titles etc;
• various tasks (conducting business analysis or fact finding) for knowledge projects;
• various day to day administrative tasks including training administration, assisting with the maintenance of knowledge databases, leavers/joiners administration, assisting with the maintenance of the firm’s CQS and Lenders Panel memberships and assistance with curating our internal resources.

The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) up to 50% of their time.  Individuals can also apply for other flexible working options either at the time of recruitment or during the course of their employment.

This role would be ideal for someone who is bright, energetic, has an eye for detail and a passion for law and business and is considering a career in law or knowledge management. Ideally, we are looking for someone with previous experience in real estate and a solid understanding of the various IT platforms used to assist in real estate and case management.

You’ll have, or be on track to have, a 2:1 degree or higher. Candidates who have completed (or who are undertaking) the CILEx qualification or who have demonstrable experience within a law firm or professional services firm will also be considered

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• IT literate, confident user of MS Office (including Excel and PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of legal and business information systems/tech tools and experience of SharePoint or similar platforms would be an advantage
• Ability to work to deadlines, manage a busy workload and to report on progress
• A problem-solving approach with an ability to research and analyse areas of law and regulation with appropriate supervision
• Strong attention to accuracy and detail and well-developed analytical skills
• Collaborative, professional and able to quickly build relationships
• Helps to facilitate and support change
• Eager to learn about and champion the use of new technology and processes
• Keen and resourceful; pro-active and motivated self-starter with excellent organisational skills
• Comfortable working under pressure to tight or changing deadlines 

At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.

We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Niamh.Madden@penningtonslaw.com