At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Partner by managing correspondence, appointments, and client interactions.
- Company: Join Express Solicitors, an award-winning law firm with a 5-star Trustpilot rating.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 23 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a vibrant social scene.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real difference in clients' lives.
- Qualifications: Strong legal secretarial experience, excellent IT skills, and a knack for customer service required.
- Other info: Interviews via MS Teams; we value skill and encourage diverse applications.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 30000 £ per year.
Established in 2000, Express Solicitors is an award-winning law firm that deals with personal injury and clinical negligence claims. Based in Manchester, we serve clients nationwide and are currently ranked 70 out of more than 10,000 law firms. We have a 5-star rating on Trustpilot from over 7,000 reviews, which coming from our clients means a lot to us. We are proud of the work we do helping injured people, and this is the core of our business.
Our Occupiers/Public Liability team is currently looking for a Personal Assistant to support a Partner within the well established department.
The ideal candidate must have strong legal secretarial experience within personal injury. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, and a strong command of English spelling, punctuation and grammar are both essential. An audio typing speed of 65+ wpm is a distinct advantage. The PA is expected to be pro-active and to use a high degree of self-management and initiative.
Responsibilities
- To prepare correspondence and documents through audiotyping and word processing.
- To administer daily digital filing and the opening, closing, storage and retrieval of client files.
- To prepare correspondence and enclosures for despatch if required.
- To make appointments, arrange meetings and manage diaries.
- To provide support to other secretaries and the administration team as required.
- To attend to clients both in person and on the telephone to provide support in a professional and friendly manner, in keeping with the firm’s standards for client care.
- To undertake any specific training as and when required.
- To ensure the confidentiality of all clients’ documentation and information.
- Help us live our service promise and deliver excellent levels of client care.
Person Specification
- Demonstrable legal secretarial experience.
- IT literate.
- Strong comprehension of English spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Acute attention to detail.
- Excellent word processing and audio typing skills.
- Exceptional customer service skills, including a professional and friendly telephone manner.
- Experience of working in a Personal Injury law firm, or civil litigation firm is advantageous.
- Previous experience of working in a fast paced environment.
- Prior exposure to Proclaim case management system is desirable.
- Audio typing speed of 65+ words per minute.
- Previous experience of working with court forms and creating pleadings.
- Use of digital dictation, ideally Big Hand would be beneficial.
Salary & Hours
Salary of £27,000 to £30,000, dependent on experience. Our standard working hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am to 5pm Friday.
Benefits
- Hybrid Working: 3/2 hybrid working pattern after probation.
- 23 Days Holiday: Rising to 26 days, plus bank/public holidays.
- Extra Holidays: 3 holiday buy backs and an extra day for your birthday after service length requirement.
- Looking After Your Health: Private medical insurance available after 2 years’ service, annual flu jab and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Looking After Your Well-being: 24/7 onsite Gym, Netball/Football team, 10km Manchester team and more.
- Work Life / Balance: Active social committee with generous departmental and firm-wide social budget.
Recruitment Process
Interviews will be conducted by MS Teams and will include scenario-based questioning. Our employees are our most important asset, we rate skill and ability above all else and our recruitment policy encourages applications from all.
Personal Assistant (PA) employer: Express Solicitors
Contact Detail:
Express Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant (PA)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal terminology and processes related to personal injury law. This will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your audio typing skills to ensure you can comfortably meet or exceed the required speed of 65+ wpm. Consider using online typing tests or software to improve your proficiency before the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in fast-paced environments, particularly in legal settings. Think of specific examples where you demonstrated initiative and self-management, as these qualities are highly valued for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Express Solicitors and their client care standards. Being able to articulate how you align with their values and service promise will set you apart from other candidates during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant (PA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your legal secretarial experience, particularly in personal injury. Emphasise your skills in audio typing, Microsoft Office proficiency, and attention to detail.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the firm. Mention your relevant experience, your ability to manage diaries, and your customer service skills, aligning them with the firm's values.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, clearly demonstrate your audio typing speed and familiarity with case management systems like Proclaim. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles.
Prepare for the Interview: Anticipate scenario-based questions related to client care and administrative tasks. Be ready to discuss how you handle confidentiality and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Express Solicitors
✨Showcase Your Legal Secretarial Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous legal secretarial experience, especially in personal injury law. Be prepared to discuss specific tasks you've handled and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Personal Assistant role.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Skills
Since strong IT skills are essential for this position, be ready to talk about your proficiency with Microsoft Office packages and any experience you have with case management systems like Proclaim. Consider bringing examples of documents you've created or managed.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
As the interview will include scenario-based questioning, think about potential situations you might face as a PA. Prepare responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
✨Exhibit Excellent Communication Skills
Since you'll be interacting with clients and colleagues, it's crucial to convey your exceptional customer service skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and maintaining a professional yet friendly tone during the interview.