At a Glance
- Tasks: Support family law solicitors with admin tasks and client interactions.
- Company: Established Edinburgh legal practice with a focus on family law.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, five weeks annual leave, and paid overtime.
- Other info: Great promotion prospects and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real difference in clients' lives.
- Qualifications: Degree level or equivalent experience; legal secretary experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
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 Surrey employer: Gibson Kerr
Gibson Kerr is an excellent employer located in the heart of Edinburgh, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, we provide opportunities for growth within our family law department, alongside competitive benefits such as hybrid working arrangements and generous annual leave. Our team-oriented culture encourages open communication and fosters strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike, making it a rewarding place to build your legal career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal / Family Law Administrator in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those who work in family law. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews – you never know where a chat might lead!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a networking event or an interview, bring examples of your work. If you've got experience with case management systems or legal documents, let them see what you can do!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to firms like Gibson Kerr and express your interest in working with them. A friendly email or call can make a lasting impression and might just land you an opportunity.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! If you’re looking to break into family law, consider taking short courses or workshops related to legal procedures or software. This shows your commitment and can give you that extra edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal / Family Law Administrator in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Paralegal / Family Law Administrator role. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in family law or legal secretarial work. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about family law and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it friendly and professional – we love a personal touch!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your computer skills, especially with MS Word and Excel. If you have audio typing or touch typing experience, let us know! We’re keen on candidates who can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gibson Kerr
✨Know Your Family Law Basics
Brush up on key concepts in family law before your interview. Understanding the basics will not only show your interest in the role but also help you engage in meaningful conversations with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous administrative experience, especially if it relates to legal settings. Highlight your proficiency in MS Word and Excel, as well as any experience with case management systems, to demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients or colleagues in the past, both in writing and verbally.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you handle pressure and prioritise tasks. Think of specific instances where you successfully managed a busy workload or met tight deadlines, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
