Legal Practice Assistant in City of London

Legal Practice Assistant in City of London

City of London Temporary 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Bates Wells

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support lawyers with administrative tasks and client management in a dynamic legal environment.
  • Company: Join an award-winning, purpose-driven law firm committed to social impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive benefits, and opportunities for personal development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while working with a team that values people and the planet.
  • Qualifications: Secretarial experience preferred; strong IT skills and a passion for client service are essential.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that champions inclusion and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.

We’re an award winning, purpose driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out. Our values are key to our success, and you’ll be able to make a real impact from day one. Come and join the firm who have a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we’ll never prioritise profit over people and planet.

We are looking for a proactive, enthusiastic Legal Practice Assistant to join our Corporate and Commercial administration team. The role provides high‑quality, comprehensive, efficient and effective matter, client and administrative support to a busy practice group, enabling our lawyers to focus on client work and business development. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with secretarial experience in this practice area who is confident building strong working relationships. This is a 1‑year fixed‑term contract, starting in April.

Key Responsibilities

  • Working collaboratively as part of the practice support team assisting our lawyers by:
  • Taking ownership and using initiative to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard, using the tools and resources available.
  • Actively pursuing continuous development and staying updated on policies, processes, workflows, and technology.
  • Seeking clarification when unsure about tasks or responsibilities.
  • Working flexibly by assisting colleagues during absences or peak workloads.
  • Completing and circulating the department's weekly capacity schedule to the team.
  • Collaborating with lawyers and Business Teams, using the Practice Management System (Liberate) for efficient client and matter management, including:
  • Creating client records and opening and closing matters in a timely manner.
  • Completing post inception tasks e.g., drafting and sending engagement letters.
  • Managing finance transactions and requests.
  • Driving the billing process, including drafting, amending, sending and following up on bills.
  • Maintaining data integrity by keeping client and matter records updated.
  • Holding fortnightly matter management meetings with lawyers and completing actions agreed.
  • Drafting communications including emails, letters, and presentations.
  • Direct interaction with clients, including distressed individuals requiring additional support.
  • Supporting ongoing proceedings by managing key dates, filing documents, and coordinating with tribunals or courts.
  • Applying your knowledge and proficiency in the MS Office Suite, iManage and other relevant software, to manage all documents and correspondence accurately, including:
  • Creating and formatting internal, business development and client-facing documents.
  • Transcribing dictation.
  • Creating and editing documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations.
  • Preparing document bundles for fee earners.
  • Electronic and paper filing, and archiving.
  • General administrative support, including:
  • Providing diary and inbox management as required.
  • Supporting lawyers with travel arrangements, expenses management, etc.
  • Conducting research and other ad hoc duties as required.

Specific tasks may change over time, so we’ll need you to be adaptable and flexible as we continue to meet our clients’ needs.

About You

  • Secretarial experience in a Corporate or Commercial team within a UK‑based law firm is preferred, though not essential.
  • Minimum 60 WPM typing speed preferred.
  • Relevant CILEX or BTEC Administration qualifications (desirable but not essential).
  • Excellent literacy, numeracy and attention to accuracy.
  • Strong IT skills, including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, iManage and SharePoint.
  • Friendly, personable and enthusiastic, with the ability to build and nurture relationships.
  • Passionate about client service.
  • Strong organisational skills, resilience and proactivity.
  • Collaborative, adaptable and flexible.
  • Calm and confident communicator at all levels.
  • Good commercial awareness and an active interest in learning.

About our Corporate and Commercial team

The team specialises in the small to mid‑cap market, advising across technology, education, life sciences, healthcare, corporate real estate and professional services. We work extensively on corporate advisory and transactional matters, including investments, mergers, acquisitions, shareholders’ agreements, joint ventures, group reorganisations and corporate fundraising. Our clients include multinational corporations, financial institutions, private companies of all sizes, partnerships, high‑net‑worth individuals, foundations and not‑for‑profit organisations, as well as trade associations, quasi‑public bodies, trusts and other unincorporated entities.

What are we like to work for?

  • Impact‑Driven Purpose: We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities and planet.
  • Committed to the Climate: Through our Climate & Nature Group, we reduce environmental impact and support a just transition to net zero.
  • Championing Inclusion: We foster a diverse and inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
  • Flexible and Hybrid Working: Our hybrid model supports balance, with at least two office days per week.
  • Progressive Benefits: We offer sustainable pensions, IVF support, private healthcare and a range of wellbeing and personal‑development benefits.

Legal Practice Assistant in City of London employer: Bates Wells

Bates Wells is an award-winning, purpose-driven City law firm that prioritises people and the planet alongside profit. With a strong commitment to social impact, our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and innovation, while offering flexible hybrid working arrangements and progressive benefits such as sustainable pensions and private healthcare. Join us in making a meaningful difference from day one in a role that supports our market-leading Corporate and Commercial team.
Bates Wells

Contact Detail:

Bates Wells Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Practice Assistant in City of London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those who work at firms you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s values and recent cases. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to it.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! Whether it's answering common interview questions or discussing your experience, being clear and confident will make a great impression on potential employers.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Practice Assistant in City of London

Secretarial Experience
Client Relationship Management
Practice Management System (Liberate)
MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
iManage
SharePoint
Document Management
Typing Speed (Minimum 60 WPM)
Attention to Accuracy
Organisational Skills
Proactivity
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Research Skills
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Legal Practice Assistant role. Highlight any secretarial experience you have in corporate or commercial law, and don’t forget to showcase your IT skills and attention to detail!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm’s values. Mention how your skills align with what we’re looking for and why you want to be part of our purpose-driven team.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Legal Practice Assistant, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively, whether it’s through your writing or by sharing examples of past interactions with clients.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our firm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bates Wells

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Legal Practice Assistant and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with Bates Wells' values and their commitment to social purpose, as this will show your genuine interest in the firm.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Be ready to discuss your secretarial experience and how it relates to the Corporate and Commercial team. Highlight your proficiency in MS Office Suite and any relevant software like iManage. Prepare examples of how you've used these skills to support lawyers or manage client interactions effectively.

✨Demonstrate Your Proactivity

Bates Wells values initiative, so come prepared with examples of how you've taken ownership of tasks in previous roles. Discuss times when you've gone above and beyond to ensure high-quality work, especially in busy environments or during peak workloads.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the firm's approach to client service and how they integrate their values into daily operations. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the firm aligns with your own values and career goals.

Legal Practice Assistant in City of London
Bates Wells
Location: City of London

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

>