Senior Practice Assistant

Senior Practice Assistant

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide top-notch admin support to partners and senior associates, managing diaries and client interactions.
  • Company: Join Baker McKenzie, a leading global law firm known for its diverse and inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Be part of high-profile legal work while developing your skills in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in legal or professional services, strong secretarial skills, and a proactive attitude required.
  • Other info: No travel required; perfect for those looking to build a career in a prestigious firm.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.

Role purpose:

The Senior Practice Assistant will demonstrate secretarial and administrative competencies to the highest level. The role-holder will provide first-class administrative support and secretarial service to some fee-earners (Partners/Senior Associates) as assigned.

Main responsibilities:

  • Client intake AML, engagement letters) and expert Billing support at all levels WIP review, sending final invoices, collections management, accruals, etc.)
  • Proactively support client activities and requirements (first contact, resolve basic queries)
  • Navigate Service Now for various tasks, including document services (typing, formatting), resolution of IT-related issues, and access to basic financial reporting metrics (SAP)
  • Strategic liaison with E2E services, ensuring the full utilization and coordination of services at all times, reviewing materials as needed before sharing with attorneys
  • Document preparation for urgent jobs which are not suitable to be sent to Document Services
  • Proactive complex diary management, call handling, and meeting organization for external meetings (utilises GAS for internal meetings)
  • Act as a gatekeeper
  • Manage in-box and assist with email filing into iManage, and support hard copy filing
  • Provide administrative support at meetings, capturing outputs and following up as needed; May be assigned specific tasks/objectives for action as outputs of meetings
  • Proactively manage and coordinate all aspects of tasks assigned meetings, events, travel, etc.)
  • Collate and provide feedback with a solution-oriented mindset
  • Support junior secretarial staff, mentoring/budding
  • Undertake support of local practice group tasks and requirements
  • Skills and experience:

  • Extensive experience working in the legal sector or other professional services environment
  • Has advanced and specialized expertise, typically developed through a combination of job-related training and considerable work experience within several different practice and functional areas
  • \’Can-do\’ attitude, demonstrates proactivity and takes the initiative
  • Consistently demonstrates secretarial competencies to the highest level in all areas
  • Able to manage complex diary and calendar management activities
  • Strong document management skills
  • Exhibits passion in collaborating with internal clients and stakeholders
  • Strong technical skills, including proficiency in all software packages (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Teams)
  • Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal
  • High-level organization skills
  • Able to understand the importance of Client Service
  • Can identify and proactively develop knowledge and skill gaps
  • Able to handle complex activities and be solution-oriented
  • Lead by example (be a role model)
  • Exercise independent judgement: Able to escalate issues effectively
  • Seek to enhance and self-develop
  • About us

    Complex business challenges require an integrated response across different markets, sectors, and areas of law. Baker McKenzie\’s client solutions provide seamless advice, underpinned by deep practice and sector expertise, as well as first-rate local market knowledge. Across more than 70 offices globally, Baker McKenzie works alongside our clients to deliver solutions for a connected world.

    We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people β€” regardless of race, religion, or belief, if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or age β€” to fulfill their professional aspirations with us.

    At Baker McKenzie we welcome direct applications.

    Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role. We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Recruitment Team on either or Baker & McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people – regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age – to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.

    Senior Practice Assistant employer: Baker McKenzie

    Baker McKenzie is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. As a Senior Practice Assistant, you will benefit from first-class administrative support, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to diversity and collaboration within a globally recognised law firm. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values integrity, high standards, and genuine concern for others.
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    Contact Detail:

    Baker McKenzie Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

    We think this is how you could land Senior Practice Assistant

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the specific software and tools mentioned in the job description, such as SAP and iManage. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these systems during the interview can set you apart from other candidates.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Showcase your ability to manage complex diary activities by preparing examples of how you've successfully organised meetings or events in the past. This will highlight your organisational skills and proactive approach.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Research the firm’s culture and values, particularly their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, as this can demonstrate your fit within the team.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Prepare to discuss your experience in client service and how you've handled challenging situations. Providing concrete examples will illustrate your solution-oriented mindset and ability to work under pressure.

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practice Assistant

    High-level secretarial competencies
    Complex diary management
    Document management skills
    Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Teams)
    Excellent written and verbal communication skills
    Client service orientation
    Proactive problem-solving skills
    Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
    Strong organisational skills
    Experience in legal or professional services environment
    Ability to handle complex activities
    Mentoring and supporting junior staff
    Attention to detail
    Ability to work under pressure
    Strong integrity and high standards

    Some tips for your application 🫑

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in secretarial and administrative roles, particularly in legal or professional services. Emphasise your ability to manage complex diary activities and document management skills.

    Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the role's responsibilities. Mention specific examples of how you've provided first-class administrative support in previous positions, and showcase your proactive approach to client service.

    Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly list your proficiency in software such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. If you have experience with SAP or document management systems, be sure to include that as well.

    Showcase Personal Qualities: In your application, reflect on personal qualities that align with the firm's values, such as integrity, dedication, and a solution-oriented mindset. Use examples to illustrate how you embody these traits in your work.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Baker McKenzie

    ✨Showcase Your Secretarial Skills

    Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in secretarial and administrative roles. Highlight specific examples where you demonstrated high-level competencies, such as managing complex diaries or handling client communications effectively.

    ✨Demonstrate Proactivity

    During the interview, share instances where you took the initiative to resolve issues or improve processes. This role requires a proactive mindset, so showing that you can anticipate needs and act on them will set you apart.

    ✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools

    Make sure you are comfortable using tools mentioned in the job description, like SAP for financial reporting and iManage for document management. Being able to discuss your proficiency with these tools will demonstrate your readiness for the role.

    ✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

    This position involves working closely with fee earners and other professionals. Be ready to talk about how you've successfully collaborated in past roles, and how you build positive relationships within a team setting.

    Senior Practice Assistant
    Baker McKenzie
    Location: London

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