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) in London employer: Bates Wells
Join a forward-thinking law firm in London as a Legal Practice Assistant, where you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions creativity and innovation. With a strong commitment to social purpose and sustainability, the firm offers flexible hybrid working arrangements, progressive benefits including private healthcare and IVF support, and ample opportunities for professional growth. This role not only allows you to contribute to impactful client work but also supports your personal development in a collaborative team setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Practice Assistant (1‐Year FTC) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those who work in Corporate and Commercial. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your secretarial experience and how it can benefit the Corporate and Commercial team.
✨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 take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Practice Assistant (1‐Year FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Practice Assistant role. Highlight your secretarial experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our Corporate and Commercial team!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your IT skills, especially with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you've got a typing speed of 60 WPM or more, let us know! We love candidates who are tech-savvy and can handle the tools we use.
Be Personable:Since this role involves direct interaction with clients, it’s important to convey your friendly and enthusiastic nature in your application. Share examples of how you've built strong working relationships in the past – we’re all about collaboration here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bates Wells
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Legal Practice Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like managing client records, drafting engagement letters, and supporting lawyers with their administrative needs. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Secretarial Skills
Since secretarial experience is preferred, be ready to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to this position. Highlight your typing speed, IT skills, and any relevant qualifications. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or supported a busy team in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Client Service Passion
This role requires a strong focus on client service, so think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond for clients or colleagues. Be prepared to share how you handle distressed individuals and maintain professionalism under pressure, as this will show your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the company's approach to professional development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.