At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality PA support to lawyers and manage office coordination.
- Company: Join a progressive international law firm with a people-focused culture.
- Benefits: 12-month contract, hybrid working, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be an integral part of a dynamic legal team and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven Legal PA experience and exceptional organisational skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
I am working with a highly regarded international law firm to recruit an experienced Legal PA on a 12 month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave, based in their Southampton office. This is a full-time role with hybrid working, offering three days in the office once established, though the first six weeks will require full-time office attendance to ensure a thorough handover and onboarding.
My client is a well-established international law firm with a strong presence in the UK and globally. They are known for their progressive, people-focused culture and their ability to think differently when delivering legal services. Collaboration, innovation and high-quality client service sit at the heart of everything they do, and Legal PAs are viewed as integral members of the wider legal team.
The role
This is a busy and varied Legal PA role supporting partners and fee earners within a fast-paced practice, working on complex and often cross-border matters. You will provide proactive, high-quality PA support, enabling the lawyers to focus on advising clients effectively. You will work closely with other Legal PAs, Legal Admin Assistants and business services teams, and will liaise regularly with clients and international colleagues.
In addition to core Legal PA responsibilities, the role also includes office coordination duties, supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the Southampton office and acting as a central point of contact for a range of operational and administrative matters.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Diary, inbox and travel management
- Proactive management of complex diaries, anticipating clashes and resolving issues
- Coordinating internal and external meetings, including international calls and video conferencing
- Inbox management for fee earners when required, prioritising correspondence and responding with initiative
- Handling calls and queries in a professional and confident manner
- Arranging UK and international travel, itineraries, expenses and logistics
- Organising client entertainment and small-scale events, with occasional on-the-day support
Document production, billing and business development
- Managing the production of legal documents and presentations via the document production team
- Drafting and amending correspondence, proof-reading and ensuring house style compliance
- Preparing meeting papers, agendas and presentations
- Supporting the end-to-end billing process and liaising with finance teams
- Maintaining fee earner CVs, deal lists and capability statements
- Assisting with BD activity, pitches, CRM updates and client-facing materials
Administrative and team support
- File opening, conflict checks and AML processes
- Document management, archiving and file closing
- Expenses, invoices and payments
- Supporting CRM, knowledge management and internal training sessions
- Assisting with internal events, inclusivity initiatives and office activities
- General administration to support the wider team and office environment
Skills and experience required:
- Proven Legal PA experience within a law firm
- Experience supporting partners and fee earners on complex matters
- Real Estate experience advantageous but not essential
- Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Confident communicator with a professional and approachable manner
- Calm under pressure with a proactive, solutions-focused approach
- Strong attention to detail and a high standard of work
- Discreet, professional and comfortable working with confidential information
What’s on offer:
- 12 month fixed-term contract with a leading international law firm
- Southampton-based role with hybrid working
- Supportive, inclusive and forward-thinking culture
- A varied Legal PA position where you are seen as a true business partner
If you are an experienced Legal PA looking for a strong maternity cover opportunity in Southampton within an international firm, I would be keen to speak with you. Please apply or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Legal PA in Southampton employer: Career Legal
Contact Detail:
Career Legal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal PA in Southampton
✨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 letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Legal PA role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s culture and values. Since this role is all about collaboration and high-quality service, think of examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to work well under pressure and support a busy team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Legal PA, you’ll need to handle calls and queries with confidence. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or family member to get comfortable with responding professionally and efficiently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can thrive in a dynamic environment like ours.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal PA in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Legal PA role. Highlight your experience in supporting partners and fee earners, especially with complex matters. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your proactive approach and how you handle busy schedules, as well as your experience with document production and client interactions.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires exceptional organisational skills, be sure to provide examples of how you've managed competing priorities in the past. We love to see real-life scenarios that demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Legal
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Legal PA. Familiarise yourself with diary management, document production, and client interaction. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your exceptional organisational skills. Think about times when you've managed competing priorities or handled complex schedules. Being able to articulate these experiences will impress the interviewers and show them you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Practice Professional Communication
As a Legal PA, communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to role-play common scenarios, like handling client queries or coordinating meetings, to showcase your professional and approachable manner during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational questions that assess how you handle pressure and solve problems. Prepare by thinking of specific instances where you’ve had to be proactive or find solutions under tight deadlines. This will demonstrate your calmness and resourcefulness, which are crucial for this role.