At a Glance
- Tasks: Support family law solicitors with admin tasks and client interactions.
- Company: Join Gibson Kerr, a respected Edinburgh legal practice specialising in family law.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, five weeks annual leave, and paid overtime.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth as the firm expands.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, gain valuable legal experience, and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree level or equivalent experience; legal secretarial experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Job Description
Introduction
Gibson Kerr is a long established, central Edinburgh legal practice with a good client base, specialising in family law, personal law, and residential conveyancing and estate agency. We are a three partner firm, with 9 other fee earners and 23 support staff at present.
We are looking for an experienced administrator or paralegal who wants a challenge. If you have experience as a legal secretary, particularly in family law, that would be a benefit. However, we will also consider applicants with relevant transferrable skills who are interested in moving into the legal sector.
Job Title: Paralegal / Family Law Administrator
Qualifications and Skills:
Qualified to degree level, or substantial equivalent work experience.
Computer literate – MS Word, Excel, Internet, email.
Audio typing and touch typing.
Numerate.
Pleasant and outgoing manner with the public, both on the phone and face to face, and good verbal and written communication skills.
Legal secretarial experience, ideally within family law, would be an advantage
Knowledge of Sheriff Court and Court of Session procedures would be an advantage.
Responsibilities:
To provide general secretarial, administrative and client support primarily in the area of family law, supporting the solicitors in the family law department.
To provide holiday cover and other assistance for other members of the support team across all departments as needed.
To assist with office administration duties supporting the Practice Manager as needed.
To effectively use the case management system in production of legal documents and letters.
To follow office administrative procedures to ensure smooth and reliable flow of work through the office.
Job Purpose:
To support the family law department by delivering an accurate, high quality, on time service to clients and support to internal staff members in relation to printed output, telephone and email handling and face-to-face contact.
Conditions of Employment:
Working hours will be 8.30am till 5pm, Monday to Friday (37.5 hours a week). More may be required from time to time, on a voluntary basis. Overtime hours will be paid at the same rate as contracted hours. We offer hybrid working for this role.
Five weeks annual leave is given, plus five days’ public holidays: two days at each of Christmas and New Year and one day on Easter Monday.
Promotion Prospects: To take on more responsibilities as the business expands.
Applicant Profile
· Enthusiastic, bright and cheerful – someone with good rapport with clients, colleagues, and staff at other firms.
· Good team player.
· Good typing skills.
· Excellent attention to detail.
· Willing to learn new tasks and firm procedures.
· Prepared to take responsibility for the way their actions impact on the performance of the office as a whole.
· Good at handling a varied workload, working to tight deadlines, and prioritising tasks as appropriate.
· Able to go about their business in a confident manner.
· Thrives within a busy, high pressure environment.
Paralegal / Family Law Administrator in West End employer: Gibson Kerr
Gibson Kerr is an excellent employer located in the heart of Edinburgh, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values both professional growth and personal well-being. With five weeks of annual leave, hybrid working options, and opportunities for advancement as the firm expands, employees are encouraged to thrive in a dynamic environment while making a meaningful impact in family law. Join a dedicated team where your contributions are recognised and valued, and enjoy the unique advantage of working in a prestigious legal practice with a strong community focus.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal / Family Law Administrator in West End
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with family law terminology and procedures. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal sector, especially those working in family law. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in previous roles. This is crucial for a position that requires handling a varied workload.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Gibson Kerr and their approach to family law. Understanding their values and client base can help you tailor your conversation during interviews, showing that you're a good fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal / Family Law Administrator in West End
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially if you have worked in family law or have transferrable skills. Emphasise your administrative capabilities and any legal secretarial experience.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, such as your typing skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle a varied workload.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly state your qualifications, whether it's a degree or equivalent work experience. If you have knowledge of Sheriff Court and Court of Session procedures, make sure to include that as well.
Showcase Soft Skills:In your application, demonstrate your pleasant manner, good communication skills, and ability to work as part of a team. These traits are essential for the role and should be evident in your writing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gibson Kerr
✨Show Your Legal Knowledge
Brush up on family law basics and any relevant court procedures. Demonstrating your understanding of the legal landscape will impress the interviewers and show your commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Transferable Skills
If you don't have direct experience as a paralegal, focus on your transferable skills. Discuss your administrative experience, communication abilities, and how they can benefit the family law department.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Prepare to discuss examples where your attention to detail made a difference in your previous roles. This is crucial in legal work, so showcasing this skill will be advantageous.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle specific situations in a busy legal environment. Think about past experiences where you managed tight deadlines or varied workloads, and be ready to share those stories.
