Senior Practice Assistant

Senior Practice Assistant

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
B

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 £ per year.

Social network you want to login/join with:

To demonstrate secretarial and administrative competencies to the highest level. You will provide first class administrative support and secretarial service to a number of fee-earners (Partners/Senior Associates) as assigned.

Main responsibilities

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

About the team

Role purpose

To demonstrate secretarial and administrative competencies to the highest level. Provide first class administrative support and secretarial service to fee-earners (Partners/Senior Associates) as assigned.

Main responsibilities

  • Client intake AML, engagement letters, expert Billing support at all levels, WIP review, sending final invoices, collections management, accruals, etc.
  • Support client activities and requirements proactively (first contact, resolve basic queries)
  • Navigate Service Now for various tasks including document services (typing, formatting), resolution of IT related issues, access to basic financial reporting metrics (SAP)
  • Strategic liaison with E2E services ensuring full utilization and coordination of services at all times, reviewing materials as needed before sharing with attorneys
  • Document preparation for urgent jobs not suitable for Document Services
  • Proactive complex diary management, call handling, and meeting organization for external meetings (utilizes GAS for internal meetings). Acts as a gatekeeper.
  • Manage in-box and assist with email filing into iManage, as well as supporting hard copy filing
  • Provide administrative support at meetings, capturing outputs, and following up as needed. May be assigned specific tasks/objectives from meetings
  • Proactively manage and coordinate all aspects of tasks related to 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

Travel requirements: None

About the team

Function

Our Operations function supports and manages the day-to-day operations of the Firm, providing expert support regarding office management, services, facilities, real estate, risk management, and secretarial and administrative services.

You will report to : Secretarial Services Leader

Your direct reports, if any: None

Key relationships: Fee earners, business professionals within practice areas, finance, AML/NBI, DCS, GAS, Secretarial Services

About the candidate

Technical skills, qualifications, and experience

  • Extensive experience in legal or professional services environment
  • Advanced and specialized expertise through training and work experience across multiple practice areas
  • \’Can-do\’ attitude, proactive, takes initiative
  • High-level secretarial competencies
  • Ability to manage complex diary activities
  • Strong document management skills
  • Passionate about collaborating with internal clients and stakeholders
  • Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Highly organized
  • Understanding of Client Service importance
  • Proactive in developing knowledge and skills
  • Solution-oriented, able to handle complex activities
  • Leads by example
  • Exercises independent judgment and escalates issues effectively

Personal qualities

Characteristics of high performers:

  • Ability to identify issues, anticipate needs, think prudently
  • Capacity to learn and develop knowledge holistically
  • Flexible, analytical, and synthetic thinking skills

Dedication

  • Strong integrity, high standards
  • Thorough preparation, responsibility, initiative, self-reliance
  • Hardworking, diligent, client-focused
  • Composed under pressure

Personal Impact

  • Effective influencing and negotiation skills
  • Leverages team to enhance collaboration
  • Builds partnerships, positive impression, collaborative relationships
  • Negotiates mutually satisfactory outcomes
  • Develops and nurtures professional networks

Humanity

  • Respectful, transparent, discreet
  • Genuine concern for others

Why Join Us?

Baker McKenzie is a global law firm with a diverse and inclusive culture, supporting and fostering collaboration and high standards. Our London office is a major hub, involved in high-profile legal work, offering a dynamic environment with numerous awards and recognitions.

We welcome direct applications and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with active networks and initiatives supporting these values.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

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.
B

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.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

B
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>