Associate - Japanese Speaker

Who we are looking forPwC LLP is an independent member of the PwC international network of firms. As well as project-based, specialist legal advice, we offer our clients ongoing general counsel support; and our alignment with PwC makes us unique in our ability to provide seamless, multi-disciplinary advice.As we are part of the PwC network, we can call upon the firm's specialists when we need to offer complete, rounded solutions for clients. We often work with PwC tax advisers, human capital consultants, corporate finance and financial services experts, actuaries, management consultants and, of course, accountants. What is more, we have access to legal expertise in over 70 countries and immigration expertise in over 128 countries.PwC is always interested in meeting talented people with the skills and expertise we require to help us continue to meet and deliver our client needs.The way we work in the group is innovative and forward thinking in a process and technology-drivenenvironment. Operating as part of a dedicated group serving PwC client facing teams across the UK you will enjoy a rich variety of immigration challenges arising from an unrivalled client base.The immigration practice forms part of the wider PwC's immigration network covering over 128 countries. The practice is engaged in a programme of expansion that has already seen it, catapulted into the consciousness of market observers. (Chambers and Partners).If this sounds appealing, then we advise you to review our job description below of what the current opportunities within the Immigration team are. If you have the skills required, please do submit your application and we will be in touch. About the roleThe now 130-strong Immigration team are working together to drive forward the firms immigration offering, working with the PwC expatriate tax and global mobility practice.Providing an array of immigration services to a range of clients including financial institutions, energy companies and large multi-nationals as well as private clients and entrepreneurs, successful candidates will be committed to our vision of moving the practice forward and operating within a truly global network.Currently we are looking to recruit bilingual Paralegals (English and Japanese) at the associate grade, to support Senior Associates in our immigration practice. This role is to focus on our clients including Japanese clients therefore Japanese business language and understanding is key.As an immigration paralegal/solicitor, you will be a key member of a client engagement team with clear objectives and responsibilities. You will actively work and support the client engagement team to ensure engagement deadlines are met in a timely fashion by managing and being responsible for key client projects.You will be involved in assisting with the provision of immigration services, providing advice and assistance to one or more of our corporate clients under the supervision of one of our senior paralegals/solicitors or managers. This will involve liaising with your team members and, at times, the client in order to ensure effective, timely and accurate administration of the immigration service/advice.The primary function of your role will be drafting immigration applications and supporting documents under supervision of senior staff members. In essence you will be supporting senior paralegals/solicitors or managers throughout the complete immigration process, from receiving the initial instruction through to completion, including Certificate of Sponsorship applications, extensions, further leave to remain and entry clearance applications.Additional tasks are likely to include:Responsible for managing the internal client database to ensure the progress of applications is kept completely up to dateAssisting with the delivery of projects to ensure deadlines are metAttending and preparing for client and engagement team meetings, distribute actions plan and follow up where necessaryDrafting and assigning Certificates of SponsorshipDrafting advice and communication to clients and or the Home OfficeUnderstanding and assisting the engagement team to ensure it follows PwC's protocols for record keeping and document handlingAssisting with the risk management checks for new and ongoing clientsUndertaking technical and practical legal research including identification, collation, and distribution of the informationYou will benefit from performing a key role in an internationally networked team with a high profile in the immigration industry.Additional informationOpportunity for working from home? YesAmount of time client based: 10%Opportunity for job sharing? NoNeed to travel/overnight stays away from home? YesOpportunity for flexible working (hours)? YesAmount of time PwC office based: 90%RequirementsEssentialFluency in the Japanese languageIn depth understanding of Japanese business cultureStrong client service skillsAble to demonstrate resilience, self-motivation and a positive can do attitudeHardworking and committed to completing tasks well with good attention to detailAbility to confidently deal with demanding situations, people and requirementsProven organisational skillsClear, articulate and confident written and verbal communication skills (English and Japanese)Primarily a team player but able to work under own initiativeProficient in use of office software and online research resourcePlease note a paralegal position in the Immigration team is not an entry route to complete a training contract or professional qualification. The two recruitment processes are completely separate.DesirableKnowledge of UK Immigration or industry experience in UK Immigration advisorUnderstanding and participating to the growth of existing clients, and the development of new clients.LocationLondonTaxWe help organisations and the people who run them answer the big business questions. How should we raise finance? Where should we be based? How should we reward our people? With some 3,300 experts whose expertise covers every conceivable area of taxation, we're one of the UK's leading tax practices. The skills we look for in future employeesAll our people need to demonstrate the skills and behaviours that support us in delivering our business strategy. This is important to the work we do for our business, and our clients. These skills and behaviours make up our global leadership framework, 'The PwC Professional' and are made up of five core attributes; whole leadership, technical capabilities, business acumen, global acumen and relationships. Learn more here work in a changing world which offers great opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek to attract and employ the best people from the widest talent pool, as well as those who reflect the diverse nature of our society. And we aim to encourage a culture where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths. Creating value through diversity is what makes us strong as a business and as an organisation with an increasingly agile workforce, we're open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate.Learn more here