Legal Practice Assistant (1‑Year FTC) in London

This job is with Bates Wells, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. 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.

The Role

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.