Administrative Assistant/Legal Assistant in Preston

Forbes Solicitors LLP are seeking an Administrative Assistant to join our Crime team at our Preston, Buckingham House office. This role is full time, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. This is a great opportunity for someone to start their career or progress their current career and to join a collaborative and professional team. While the role will be working to the fast‑pace, customer focus and high standards of a law firm, the role will also provide a sustainable work‑life balance and relate to the regional area in which it is based.

Responsibilities

• Downloading digital evidence from various platforms, saving as necessary, sharing with legal teams and dealing with undertakings as required, including coordination of the ABE (Achieving Best Evidence) files.
• Update the diary and Partner with the outcome of court hearings. Check details are correct and inform the parties of changes.
• Check diary management systems and remind Advisors of key dates in the life of a Crown Court trial, ensuring certificates are submitted on time.
• Manage the secure inbox, scan onto Partner and forward to relevant person(s), update funding tab on PfW.
• Keep up to date through liaison with the courts and liaise with Courts and Chambers in relation to Crime matters and book Counsel as directed by the Advisor.
• Instruct Counsel as required by Crime Advisors.
• Update the diary with details of case allocations, write to clients, and update DCS.
• Update case spreadsheets as required/necessary to ensure up to date and accurate information is provided.
• Send completed files to Crime Costs for billing.
• Support other members of the Admin team.
• First point of contact for calls into the Crime and Crown Court Department and capturing details of new enquiries and sending to relevant Advisors for actioning.
• Update expert register as necessary/required.
• Manage the live file lists from inception to closing.

The Person

We will be progressing applicants to the next stage based on their demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skills in:

Essential

• GCSEs grade 9-4, including English and Maths, or equivalent.
• Previous experience of working in an administrative role.
• Excellent attention to detail, including proof‑reading and editing skills to ensure accuracy and quality of legal documents.
• Demonstrates the ability to prioritise tasks, manage time effectively, and coordinate multiple activities simultaneously to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrates excellent IT skills and the ability to use multiple platforms such as Word, Excel, Outlook and other systems/databases.
• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients, colleagues, and external parties.
• Has knowledge of Court/Crime procedures.
• Demonstrates good administrative skills including, word processing, maintaining records, and handling correspondence.
• Aligns with the Firm’s values.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Familiarity with legal processes, terminology, and the operation of law firms.

The Firm

At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results. We are real people who listen to each other and work together to deliver exceptional service. We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm. We are a values led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork to join our award‑winning Firm.

The Benefits

We are dedicated to supporting our people and offer a range of benefits, including:

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to T&Cs).
• Enhanced family friendly policies and pay for Maternity, Paternity and Adoption.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Celebration and Volunteer leave.
• Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities.
• Profit share scheme.
• Additional long service awards.
• Subsidised tuck shops.
• Staff discount on Firm services.
• Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services).
• BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependents).
• Retail and gym membership discounts.
• Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to T&Cs).
• Annual Events.

Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability‑confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community.