Legal Secretary/Administration Assistant in Torquay

Team: Residential and Commercial Property Team.

Reporting to: Head of Residential and Commercial Property Team.

The Role: Darby & Darby are seeking to recruit an individual with experience in supporting a busy Residential and Commercial Property Team providing secretarial and administrative support to the fee earning members of the Team and supporting front of house responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a client-facing representative, handling in-person interactions and managing telephone communications with clients, agents, and third parties to provide regular updates on transaction progress.
• Open new client matter files, input and maintain accurate client records, and keep both electronic and manual files up to date throughout the lifecycle of each matter.
• Perform digital transcription of documents and correspondence as directed by fee earners.
• Order property searches and manage the intake of results to support transaction progression.
• Liaise with all team members regarding client files, ensuring smooth handovers and consistent communication.
• Prepare files for storage and coordinate document retrieval requests via the appropriate staff members.
• Schedule appointments and manage fee earners’ calendars to optimise their time.
• Proactively support fee earners in the performance of their duties, including task management and prioritisation as needed.

About you:

• You have strong computer skills and previous experience working with case management platforms.
• You bring proven experience in a busy Residential and/or Commercial Property team.
• You are confident working collaboratively within a team environment, while also being able to act on your own initiative.
• You possess excellent time-management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively in a high-volume setting.

Why Work at Darby & Darby Solicitors

Since 1983, Darby & Darby has been deeply rooted in South Devon. From our humble beginnings in a spare bedroom to becoming a respected community law firm with offices in Torquay, Brixham and Dartmouth, we’ve built our reputation not just on legal expertise but on integrity, personal service, and caring for our community every step of the way. We serve individuals and families through moments that really matter – buying or selling homes, writing wills, sorting out probate, or dealing with matrimonial issues. We believe that law is not just about cases and transactions, but about people. If you are someone who values approachability, clarity, community and a chance to make a real difference, you could find a real home here.

Our Vision & Values

Our Vision: To be South Devon’s leading community law firm – recognised for providing outstanding legal advice, delivered with warmth, integrity and innovation.

Our Core Values:

• Approachability – We pride ourselves on being friendly, open and easy to talk to.
• Integrity – We do what’s right, not what’s easiest.
• Clarity – We speak plainly and make the law accessible.
• Community – We care deeply about the people and places we serve.

Working With Us

Joining Darby & Darby means becoming part of a close-knit, supportive team where everyone’s contribution matters. We work hard, but we also look out for each other – whether that’s helping with a case, sharing advice, or catching up over coffee. You’ll find a welcoming environment where you can grow your skills, build lasting relationships, and take pride in helping the people of South Devon. We’re a modern firm that embraces positive change, but our focus will always remain on people. Our team includes a dedicated in-house marketer who works closely with solicitors to help raise their professional profiles, and we’re also developing an in-house LawTech platform Ordli.

Training & Development

We want everyone at Darby & Darby to feel valued and supported in their professional journey. You’ll have opportunities to take on meaningful responsibilities early on, receive ongoing professional development and CPD support and you’ll work across a broad range of legal areas – from conveyancing to family law and probate.

Life at Darby & Darby

We’re proud of our friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere and strong community spirit. We believe people do their best work when they feel connected and supported – which is why we prioritise teamwork, flexibility, and wellbeing. You can expect: a warm, inclusive team culture, opportunities to work across our South Devon offices and regular social and team events.

Be Part of Our Story

Darby & Darby has been part of South Devon life for over 40 years – and we’re still growing. If you want to be part of a team that values people, community, and genuine connection, we’d love to hear from you.