We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Legal Secretary to provide dedicated support to Dawn Reynolds and colleagues in our Real Estate Dispute Resolution team in Birmingham. You will help us deliver a smooth, responsive service on a broad mix of contentious real estate work including lease renewals, dilapidations and possession claims. This is a hands‑on role where you will work closely with a small number of fee earners rather than being part of a national secretarial pool, giving you clear ownership and continuity. Our hybrid pattern for full‑time roles is three days in the office and two from home.
What You Will Do
- Produce, format and amend legal documents and correspondence to a high standard including pleadings, applications, witness statements and instructions to counsel.
- Create and maintain court bundles and hearing packs; manage e‑filing and submissions to court portals where required.
- Support property litigation workflows on matters such as contested and uncontested lease renewals, break notices, dilapidation issues, possession claims and telecoms notices, ensuring key dates are diarised and actioned.
- Engage in digital dictation, copy typing and transcription, ensuring accuracy and brand consistency across all outputs.
- File opening and closing, compliance checks and matter management in line with internal procedures.
- Proactive diary management for fee earners, arranging meetings, mediations and conferences with clients, counsel and third parties.
- Liaise with clients by phone and email, providing timely updates and a friendly, professional first point of contact.
- Support billing and WIP, time recording assistance and expense processing to help the team meet its financial targets.
- Coordinate travel, events and team administration, and contribute to knowledge, precedents and process improvements within the group.
Team
Our Real Estate Dispute Resolution team sits within Gateley Legal’s wider Property division and is known for straight‑talking, commercially focused advice on complex property disputes. The team acts for developers, investors, landlords, tenants and public bodies and is led in Birmingham by Partner Dawn Reynolds. You will be working alongside experienced litigators who value collaboration, clarity and momentum.
Candidate Attributes
- Prior experience as a Legal Secretary, ideally within litigation or property, with strong digital dictation and document production skills.
- Calm, confident communication and a client‑centred approach.
- Excellent attention to detail and a track record of meeting deadlines in a busy practice.
- Solid IT skills across Microsoft 365 and case management systems.
- A team mindset and the initiative to anticipate what your fee earners need next.
About Us
Gateley is a legal and professional services group that supports more than 5,700 active clients, ranging from FTSE 100 companies to private individuals, in the UK and beyond.
Benefits
We offer a competitive remuneration package, including an annual bonus, plus a wide range of learning and development opportunities via our Learn platform. Your My Flex comprehensive rewards package includes options covering annual leave (and the option to purchase extra days), cycle to work, critical illness benefit, employee assistance programme, group personal pension, health care, season ticket loan and many more benefits. Perks at Work/Home let you select a host of retail benefits that suit your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion & Well‑Being
We recruit talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, providing equal opportunities for all to join our team regardless of age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability or culture. We are proud to have been recognised by The Law Society as a gold standard for our Diversity and Inclusion Charter and as Stonewall Diversity Champions.
Pre‑Employment Screening
If you receive an offer, you will undergo pre‑employment screening checks, including eligibility to work, professional and academic qualifications, background and reference checks, and financial stability checks. The screening process will be relevant to your role and may vary.
Real Estate Dispute Resolution Legal Secretary in Birmingham employer: Gateley
Gateley is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham where you can thrive as a Real Estate Dispute Resolution Legal Secretary. With a strong focus on employee development and a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Gateley fosters a culture of collaboration and support. Join a team of experienced professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality legal services while enjoying the perks of a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Real Estate Dispute Resolution Legal Secretary in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Research Gateley and the Real Estate Dispute Resolution team. Understanding their work and values will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in joining them.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As a Legal Secretary, you'll be the first point of contact for clients. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and ensure you come across as calm and professional.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Prepare a mock diary management plan or a sample court bundle to demonstrate your ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. This will highlight your proactive approach and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on being part of our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Real Estate Dispute Resolution Legal Secretary in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Legal Secretary role. Highlight your experience in litigation and property, and showcase your document production skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our Real Estate Dispute Resolution team!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:In a role where accuracy is key, it’s essential to demonstrate your attention to detail. Use clear formatting in your application and double-check for any typos or errors. This will show us that you take pride in your work and understand the importance of precision.
Highlight Your IT Skills:Since we rely on Microsoft 365 and case management systems, make sure to mention your proficiency with these tools. If you have experience with digital dictation or e-filing, let us know! It’ll help us see how you can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at Gateley!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateley
✨Know Your Legal Lingo
Brush up on legal terminology related to real estate disputes. Familiarity with terms like 'lease renewals', 'dilapidations', and 'possession claims' will show that you understand the role and can communicate effectively with the team.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in a busy environment. Highlight your experience with diary management, document production, and compliance checks to demonstrate your ability to keep everything running smoothly.
✨Be Client-Centric
During the interview, emphasise your calm and confident communication style. Share instances where you've provided excellent client service, as this role requires being a friendly and professional first point of contact for clients.
✨Demonstrate Tech Savviness
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft 365 and any case management systems you’ve used before. Be ready to discuss how you've utilised technology to improve efficiency in your previous roles, especially in document management and e-filing.
