At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Family Department with administrative and secretarial tasks in a dynamic legal environment.
- Company: Join a leading multi-service legal firm known for its supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, remote work options, generous leave, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting a high-performing team in family law.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in legal secretarial roles, strong organisational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and bi-annual parties.
The predicted salary is between 24570 - 30720 £ per year.
Location: Canterbury Office.
Salary: Starts at £24,570.00.
Working Hours: Full-time, office-based.
Contract: Permanent.
We are looking for an experienced and highly organised Legal Secretary / Legal Assistant to support the Head of the Family and Childcare Department in our Canterbury office. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic and supportive team at a leading multi-office, multi-service Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners firm.
Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive PA and secretarial support to the Partner heading the Family and Childcare team.
- Review and manage partners inbox daily, identifying urgent, sensitive and high-priority client matters.
- Triage incoming correspondence and take appropriate action.
- Draft client emails for partners approval.
- Allocate and delegate work to appropriate team members.
- Monitor progress and ensure work is completed within required timeframe.
- Coordinate between partner and support staff to ensure matters keep moving.
- Arrange and book Counsel and/or internal cover of hearings and diary management.
- Proactively manage and maintain the Partner's diary, schedule appointments and coordinate meetings.
- Accurately type legal documentation and correspondence from audio dictation.
- Liaise with clients, Counsel, and other professionals with professionalism and tact.
- Handle telephone calls, emails and correspondence on behalf of the Partner.
- Assist with file management and the organisation of legal documents, court bundles and case materials.
- Provide general administrative support, including booking travel and managing expenses as required.
Qualifications
- At least three years' experience in a Legal Secretarial or Practice Assistant role within a family or childcare law environment.
- Highly organised with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and remain calm under pressure.
- Fast, accurate audio typing skills and experience managing busy professional diaries.
- Confident using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Clear and professional written and verbal communication.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all work.
- Professional, articulate, and able to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, and external contacts.
- Positive, proactive attitude and willingness to take initiative, even with tasks outside your usual remit.
- Discreet, tactful, and trusted to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
- Enthusiasm for supporting others and being part of a high-performing team.
Benefits
- Two days of remote working per week following successful completion of probation.
- Competitive base salary.
- Generous annual leave starting at 23 days plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
- Pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Optional Benenden Health Care.
- Firm-provided laptop and IT support.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Bi-annual firmwide parties (Summer and Christmas).
- A collaborative and professional working culture.
- Annual appraisals and salary reviews.
Company overview: Please visit https://gtstewart.co.uk/ for more information.
Legal Secretary to Head of Family Department employer: GT Stewart Solicitors
Contact Detail:
GT Stewart Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Secretary to Head of Family Department
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know someone at the firm. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the firm and its Family and Childcare Department. Knowing their recent cases or initiatives can help you stand out and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound confident and articulate, so maybe even do a mock interview with a friend!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Secretary to Head of Family Department
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Legal Secretary role. Highlight your experience in family or childcare law, and showcase your organisational skills. We want to see how you can support our Head of Family Department!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description, and let your personality come through.
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your audio typing skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office. We’re looking for someone who can manage a busy diary and handle sensitive information with discretion, so make sure to highlight these abilities!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at GT Stewart Solicitors
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Legal Secretary in a Family Department. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like managing the partner's inbox and drafting client emails. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage multiple responsibilities. Share specific examples from your past experience where you successfully handled a busy workload or managed a complex diary. This will highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure, which is crucial for this position.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Legal Secretary, clear and professional communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively liaised with clients and colleagues in previous roles. You might even want to practice answering common interview questions out loud to ensure your verbal communication is on point.
✨Be Proactive and Positive
Employers love candidates who take initiative. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for supporting others and being part of a high-performing team. Share instances where you went above and beyond in your previous roles, as this will reflect your proactive attitude and willingness to contribute positively to the team.