Legal Secretary in Essex, Maldon

Location: Maldon, Essex

Dept: Private Client

Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum (depending on experience)

About the Role

We are looking for a highly organised and professional Legal Secretary to join our clients established Private Client team in Witham. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced secretary who enjoys working in a fast-paced legal environment, providing comprehensive administrative support to fee earners while delivering an exceptional level of client service.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the department by managing documentation, coordinating diaries, liaising with clients and supporting colleagues across the office.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated secretarial and administrative support to fee earners.
• Produce legal correspondence, reports and documents using audio dictation and word processing software.
• Manage client files, including opening, maintaining, archiving and retrieving files in accordance with firm procedures.
• Prepare outgoing post and ensure all supporting documentation is enclosed and dispatched promptly.
• Arrange photocopying, scanning and document preparation as required.
• Coordinate appointments, meetings and maintain accurate electronic and manual diaries.
• Organise meeting rooms, ensuring they are prepared in advance and cleared after use.
• Welcome clients and visitors in a professional and friendly manner, both in person and over the telephone.
• Assist with general office administration and provide support to colleagues when required.
• Offer assistance and guidance to junior members of the administrative team where appropriate.
• Provide reception cover during busy periods or staff absence.
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality in relation to client information and firm documentation.
• Participate in training and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a legal secretarial or professional administrative role.
• Excellent audio typing and document production skills with a high level of accuracy.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Outstanding organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a varied workload.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
• Professional, discreet and committed to maintaining confidentiality.
• A proactive and flexible approach with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Previous experience within a law firm.
• Familiarity with legal case management systems.
• Secretarial or business administration qualification.

Personal Qualities

The ideal candidate will be:

• Professional, courteous and client-focused.
• Well organised with excellent time management skills.
• Calm and composed when working to deadlines.
• Reliable, adaptable and able to use their own initiative.
• A strong team player who is happy to support colleagues across the business.
• Positive, approachable and committed to delivering high standards of work.

Working Environment

This is an office-based position within a busy and friendly legal practice. The role offers a varied workload, working closely with experienced fee earners and support staff to ensure clients receive an efficient and professional service at every stage of their matter.

Performance Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Accuracy and quality of document production.
• Effective diary and file management.
• Positive client feedback and service standards.
• Timely completion of administrative tasks.
• Reliability and contribution to the wider team.
• Compliance with firm procedures and confidentiality requirements.