Matrimonial/ Family Legal Assistant in London

Context

Davies and Partners Solicitors is a well-established law firm with over 30 years’ experience. Ithas a national reputation for excellence across a wide selection of legal services for businesses & individuals. There are four offices in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Gloucester

Reporting Line

This role reports to the Legal Director, Head of Matrimonial/Family, Hazel McNaught.

Job Purpose

This role is varied and will encompass Paralegal duties outlined below.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assisting Fee Earners in client meetings;
• Drafting of documentation;
• Preparing legal documents, letters and emails;
• Uploading applications and documents to court;
• Dealing with clients on the phone and in writing;
• Attendance at court hearings;
• Research on all areas of family law including experts on cases;
• Audio typing of standard letters, Court documents and telephone file notes;
• Collating bundles of instructions to be sent to Counsel and collating Trial bundles by locating documents and putting into files and posting;
• Raising bills and chasing payment;
• Updating databases and directories where appropriate;
• Ensuring files are kept tidy and filing is up-to-date;
• Opening new files as and when instructed;
• Closing and archiving files when matter is completed. Checking nil balance with Accounts and confirming destruction date with Fee Earner;
• Providing assistance to clients and external solicitors by giving up to date information as and when appropriate;
• Identifying the urgency of phone calls and ensuring messages are brought to the attention of the Fee Earner.
• Prepare standard documentation under supervision and using own initiative
• Other Ad hoc duties as required

The following tasks provide a general overview of the types of activity the candidate will be expected to engage in or oversee on a day-to-day basis. The tasks are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities as all employees are required to be flexible, dynamic and have the capacity to think creatively when presented with challenges.

Your job title does not define or limit your duties and you may be required to carry out other work within your abilities from time to time at our request.

We reserve the right to introduce changes in line with technological developments which may impact upon your job duties or methods of working.

Location

Davies and Partners Solicitors in either London, Bristol or Gloucester.

Salary

Competitive

Contract Type

Full Time, 37.5 hours Monday-Friday. Flexible contract to be discussed.

Compliance

As part of our compliance procedures, applicants are asked to note that:

• references will be followed up;
• all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily;
• proof of identity and (where applicable) qualifications will be required;
• reference requests will ask specifically whether the applicant has ever been subject to any proceedings/complaints initiated by the Law Society or any other professional body.
• appropriate suitability checks may be required prior to confirmation of appointment.

This role meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role may require applicants who are offered employment to be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions.

Equal Opportunities

Davies and Partners Solicitors provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable national laws. Davies and Partners Solicitors complies with applicable national laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

To view our Candidate Privacy Notice please visit https://www.daviesandpartners.com/careers/candidate-privacy-notice

Person Specification

Essential

Legal Status

• Appropriate DBS disclosure will be required prior to confirmation of appointment.
• Right to live and work in the UK, e.g. valid UK or EU passport or appropriate visa/work permits.

Education/ Qualifications

• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Proficient in use of IT

Skills/ Knowledge

• Experience in Audio typing
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Professional attitude towards work
• Ability to work well in a team
• Adaptable to change
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy skills
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality

Desirable

• Use of Case Management Systems
• Office experience in a Legal environment