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- Tasks: Support our Private Client team with secretarial and administrative tasks to deliver top-notch client service.
- Company: Join a leading law firm ranked tier 1 in Legal 500 and Chambers HNW.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a skilled team and make a real difference in clients' lives.
- Qualifications: Desirable secretarial experience in a law firm and strong client relationship skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced role requiring excellent organisation, attention to detail, and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Legal Secretary to work as part of our Private Client team, delivering the highest levels of service to our clients by providing secretarial and administrative support to a minimum of 2 lawyers. Our private client team is one of the largest and most experienced in Hertfordshire with four partners, one consultant, three senior associates, six solicitors, a court of protection manager and four legal assistants. We are ranked tier 1 in Legal 500 and band 1 in Chambers HNW.
Key Responsibilities
- Answer the telephone and assist clients with enquiries when the lawyer is not available.
- Meet clients who call into the office without an appointment on behalf of the lawyers, answer queries, take messages and make file notes.
- Open and close client files consistent with standard procedures including performing online money laundering checks, and assisting with any manual money laundering and risk management checks.
- Liaise with clients as directed.
- Maintain lawyers’ diaries and make appointments.
- Organise internal and external meetings including meeting room bookings and refreshments.
- Manage outgoing post and emails.
- Maintain internal and client files to ensure they are up-to-date at all times.
- Undertake typing for lawyers.
- Drafting of standard letters and forms for the lawyer’s approval.
- General document management such as requesting and logging deeds coming in and out of the firm.
- Collate work received from the outsourced typing company including arranging necessary enclosures ready to send out.
- Liaise with the accounts team to ensure timely and accurate accounts administration, making transaction requisitions through the peppermint system (our practice management system) and to include receiving cheques, entering on file and passing to accounts.
- Input client and potential client contact details into peppermint and/or isokon (probate case management system) and hoowla (residential case management system).
- Undertake administrative tasks such as photocopying and file archiving.
- Create and maintain a tidy and well organised office environment.
- Ensure any faults with the team’s IT, telephones and printers are reported.
- Work as part of a team, assisting with wider secretarial and telephone cover as required.
- Undertake tasks in connection with client/administrative matters, including any risk management tasks relating to the clients and matters.
- Comply, adopt and be familiar with firm policies and procedures.
Attributes Required
- Secretarial experience in a law firm is desirable.
- Strong and confident client relationship experience and skills.
- Good understanding of client service.
- A good understanding of the context in which the work is being done.
- Fast and accurate keyboard skills – 50 wpm minimum.
- Good grasp of grammar and spelling.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Computer literacy in relevant software packages.
- Experience of using a practice/case management system.
- High level organisation and administration skills including the ability to prioritise work.
- Initiative.
- Ability to take direction, instructions and feedback in a positive manner.
- Ability to cope with pressure and maintain a calm manner at all times.
- Good time keeping.
- Smart appearance.
- Attention to detail.
- Trustworthy and reliable.
Legal Secretary - Private Client employer: Debenhams Ottaway LLP
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Ottaway LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Secretary - Private Client
✨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 asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Legal Secretary role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its Private Client team. Familiarise yourself with their services and recent achievements. We want you to impress them with your knowledge and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their top-tier team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Legal Secretary, you’ll be the first point of contact for clients. We suggest doing mock interviews or role-playing scenarios to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle client queries with ease.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Secretary - Private Client
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Legal Secretary role. Highlight any relevant secretarial experience, especially in a law firm, and showcase your client relationship skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our Private Client team!
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 specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter.
Show Off Your Skills: We’re looking for strong organisational and administrative skills, so make sure to highlight these in your application. If you have experience with practice management systems or document management, let us know! We love seeing candidates who are tech-savvy.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you as soon as possible. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Ottaway LLP
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Legal Secretary in a Private Client team. Familiarise yourself with tasks like managing diaries, liaising with clients, and handling administrative duties. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Client Relationship Skills
Since client interaction is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Think about specific situations where you provided excellent service or resolved issues effectively. This will highlight your ability to maintain a professional and confident demeanour under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. You might want to share a story about a busy period where you juggled multiple responsibilities. This will illustrate your high level of organisation and ability to cope with pressure, which are crucial for this role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software
Since the job involves using practice management systems like Peppermint and Isokon, it’s a good idea to brush up on these tools if you have experience with them. If not, do some research on their functionalities. Being able to speak about your computer literacy and adaptability will give you an edge in the interview.
