At a Glance
- Tasks: Support lawyers with administrative tasks and client interactions in a dynamic legal environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking law firm committed to social impact and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, progressive benefits, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Embrace a collaborative culture with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while gaining valuable experience in the legal field.
- Qualifications: Secretarial experience preferred; strong IT skills and a passion for client service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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
- 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.
- Creating client records and opening and closing matters in a timely manner.
- Completing post inception tasks such as 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Benefits
- 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 (1‐Year FTC) employer: Bates Wells
Contact Detail:
Bates Wells Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Practice Assistant (1‐Year FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you show them why you're the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Practice Assistant (1‐Year FTC)
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 a Corporate or Commercial team, and don’t forget to showcase your IT skills and typing speed!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and how your skills align with what we’re looking for. Be personable and let your passion for client service come through.
Show Off Your Organisational Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects effectively. We love candidates who can demonstrate strong organisational skills and resilience, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bates Wells
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of corporate and commercial law. Familiarise yourself with common legal terms and processes, as well as the specific responsibilities of a Legal Practice Assistant. This will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your secretarial experience and how it relates to the tasks mentioned in the job description. Highlight your IT skills, especially with tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and be prepared to give examples of how you've used these in previous roles to support lawyers or manage client communications.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
Since this role involves direct interaction with clients, it's crucial to convey your friendly and personable nature. Think of examples where you've built strong relationships or provided excellent client service, especially in challenging situations. This will help you stand out as someone who can handle the demands of the role.
✨Be Adaptable and Flexible
The job requires a degree of adaptability, so be prepared to discuss how you've managed changing priorities or supported colleagues during busy periods. Share specific instances where you've taken the initiative to ensure tasks were completed efficiently, demonstrating your resilience and proactivity.