At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch admin support to Associates and Trainees in a dynamic law firm.
- Company: Join Baker McKenzie, a leading global law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in law while making a real impact on the team.
- Qualifications: Previous secretarial experience and strong communication skills are a plus.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and learning in a fast-paced legal environment.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Practice Assistant - Contract (6 months) role at Baker McKenzie. The Practice Assistant will provide efficient and effective administrative services to Associates, Trainees and others as part of the Secretarial Services Team (SST).
Main Responsibilities:
- Navigate the Service Now portal with confidence
- Proactively build and coordinate relationships with Center-based services, other BM secretaries, and teams
- Utilize and review materials from Service Centers to ensure efficiency and accuracy
- Produce documents for urgent jobs which are not suitable to be done by Document Services
- Serve as a role model and leader; support junior members acting as buddy/mentor
- Manage in-box and file documents and emails into iManage, support hard copy filing
- Print/scan
- Prepare courier packages
- Support on client intake (including engagement letters) and billing
- Manage travel arrangements through the Firm’s travel agency
- Handle calls
- Support on inbox and diary management
- Manage logistics for external meetings, utilize General Administration Services (GAS) for internal meetings
- Support client activities and be in direct contact with clients and their assistants
- Identify and suggest improvements to the way we work
- Undertake specific practice group tasks and requirements to build practice group knowledge
- Liaise with courts and ensure accurate development of court documentation/bundles
- Update contacts in Outlook
Skills and Experience:
- Secretarial experience in Real Estate/Property practices
- Experience working with cloud-based platforms that deliver digital workflows; experience using ServiceNow is preferred
- Able to manage customer expectations and meet and exceed Service Level Agreements
- Proficient at prioritization, including providing estimated time for completion of tasks and negotiating additional time where necessary
- Experience in quality management systems and peer review
- Strong experience working in a team environment
- Has advanced and specialized expertise, typically developed through a combination of job‑related training and considerable work experience
- ‘Can‑do’ attitude, can demonstrate proactivity and take the initiative
- Strong technical capabilities across Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Teams)
- Interested in career development and advancing both soft, tech and administrative capabilities
- Able to embrace change and challenges
- Able to focus on the delivery of high-quality services
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Experience in billing and intake procedures is desirable
Reports to: Secretarial Services Leader
Position Type: In Market Development Framework: Business Support
Seniority Level: Associate
Employment Type: Full‑time
Job Function: Management
Industries: Law Practice
Practice Assistant - Contract (6 months) employer: Baker McKenzie
Contact Detail:
Baker McKenzie Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Assistant - Contract (6 months)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Research Baker McKenzie and understand their values and work environment. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some questions for your interviewer. This shows that you’re engaged and keen to learn more about the role and the team. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if this is the right fit for you!
✨Tip Number 4
After the interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your appreciation for the opportunity. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Practice Assistant role!
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Assistant - Contract (6 months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Practice Assistant role. Highlight your secretarial experience, especially in Real Estate/Property practices, and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical capabilities! Mention your proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and any experience with cloud-based platforms like ServiceNow. We love seeing candidates who are tech-savvy and ready to embrace digital workflows.
Be Proactive in Your Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to demonstrate your 'can-do' attitude and proactive nature. Share examples of how you've managed customer expectations or improved processes in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can take the initiative and lead by example!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baker McKenzie
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Practice Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, like managing inboxes and liaising with clients. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Tech Savvy
Since the role involves using cloud-based platforms and tools like ServiceNow, be prepared to discuss your experience with these technologies. If you’ve used similar systems, share specific examples of how you navigated them effectively. This will highlight your adaptability and technical skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
The job requires working closely with Associates, Trainees, and other team members. Be ready to talk about your previous experiences in team environments. Share instances where you supported colleagues or took the initiative to improve team processes, as this shows you’re a collaborative player.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, expectations, and opportunities for growth within the firm. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your career goals.