Legal Secretary - Apprentice

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross‑functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.

Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting‑edge solutions in high‑stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world‑class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer. This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward‑thinking peers.

The Legal Secretary – Apprentice plays a crucial role in supporting attorneys, paralegals, and business leaders by providing high‑quality administrative and executive support. This position is central to ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day operations of the legal team while upholding the firm’s core principles of a firm‑first mentality, client‑centricity, collaboration, and excellence. The role requires a proactive, detail‑oriented individual who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and demonstrates strong organisational, communication, and technical skills.

The Legal Secretary – Apprentice will contribute to delivering exceptional service while supporting the Firm’s broader operational and client service objectives. The Apprentice will complete a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, providing a strong foundation and head start in their career as a Legal Secretary. During the apprenticeship, the Legal Secretary – Apprentice will rotate across different practice areas approximately every three months, gaining broad exposure to the firm’s operations and building strong working relationships across departments. This will be a fixed‑term position for the duration of the apprenticeship. The role will be a 17‑month fixed‑term position based on the duration of the apprenticeship. Applications will close on 3 July 2026.

Your Development Journey

While the first few months will focus on training, on‑the‑job learning, and foundational administrative tasks, there is an expectation that, as you gain experience and confidence, you will gradually take on more responsibility in support of attorneys. This approach ensures you are well‑prepared and capable of handling these tasks effectively by the end of your apprenticeship, while also supporting your professional development throughout.

What You Will Do

• Administrative Support
  • Manage complex calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements for attorneys, paralegals, and business leaders
  • Coordinate all aspects of meeting logistics, including booking conference rooms, registering guests, arranging equipment, and organising catering
  • Manage communications across multiple channels, including telephone, email, and hard copy correspondence, ensuring timely and appropriate handling
  • Prepare and process expense reports and cheque requests, ensuring accuracy and timely submission
  • Provide backup support to other secretaries, including absence coverage and assistance with overflow work
  • Build strong working relationships with attorneys, PAs, and Business Services colleagues across the firm
• Document Preparation and File Management
  • Proofread and edit legal documents, correspondence, memoranda, and other materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and clarity
  • Prepare accurate documents and correspondence adhering to the firm’s house style
  • Assist with the preparation, management, and distribution of audit response letters
  • Maintain organised and up‑to‑date client and administrative files within the firm’s document management system, ensuring compliance with firm policies and ease of retrieval
  • Support preparation of bibles, court bundles, and other legal materials following training
• Business Intake and Conflicts
  • Open new client and matter numbers and maintain accurate matter records
  • Perform conflict checks in accordance with firm procedures
  • Prepare engagement letters and coordinate execution via DocuSign
• Time Entry and Billing
  • Facilitate time entry for assigned attorneys and paralegals, including inputting, reviewing, editing, and releasing time
  • Support the billing process by tracking deadlines and circulating pre‑bills for review where required

Who You Are

• Minimum 5 GCSEs, including 9 – 4 (A‑C) in Maths & English
• Minimum 2 A Levels (or equivalent)
• Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for a Level 3 Apprenticeship in England

Apprenticeship Programme

The role will follow a structured apprenticeship programme. As this is an apprenticeship, the role will be based on 80% working hours and 20% off‑the‑job learning time. The role will be a 17‑month fixed‑term position based on the duration of the apprenticeship.