At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a busy team in Family Law with diary management and client communication.
- Company: Join Howard Kennedy LLP, a leading firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working pattern with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Family Law while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Family Law and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Legal PA, Private Client & Family
Apply to join Howard Kennedy LLP’s Private Client Department as a legal personal assistant on a permanent basis.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Family Legal PA to provide first‑class support to a busy team of fee earners, including partners and the Department Head.
- Role Responsibilities
- Proactively manage and maintain fee‑earner diaries, schedule appointments, coordinate internal and external client meetings, and arrange meeting logistics (rooms, video conference, refreshments, transport, etc.).
- Arrange domestic and foreign travel, produce itineraries, and ensure expense claims are completed.
- Monitor and respond to fee‑earner inboxes when out of office, prioritise correspondence, route messages to appropriate individuals, and file emails in i Manage where possible.
- Onboard new clients by following compliance rules, obtaining KYC documentation, and opening new matters.
- Serve as the key contact point for internal and external queries directed to supported fee earners.
- Produce documentation, draft, amend letters and correspondence, and proofread all work for accuracy and consistency.
- Coordinate end‑to‑end billing processes and Elite 3E financial reporting, liaising with the billing team and prompting fee earners to complete required paperwork.
- Bundle electronic and hardcopy documents (copying, compiling, indexing, paginating) and file financial documents on the HMCTs portal.
- Conduct research using internet databases and other resources.
- Communicate with clients, counsel, and other external parties.
- Support other PAs during absences and take initiative to assist fee earners administratively.
- Ensure all correspondence and documentation is correctly filed on i Manage.
- Handle external and internal telephone calls, taking clear and concise messages.
- Build relationships with clients and clerks, demonstrating knowledge of files.
- Prepare hearing bundles, ensuring court documents are appropriately sectioned.
- Provide department‑specific support, such as familiarising with Family Court forms and precedents.
- Maintain accurate document presentation to Howard Kennedy house styles.
- Update external contacts and agent fees in relevant systems.
- Assist with BD activities and database updates.
- Plan events in liaison with BD.
- Delegate tasks to firm’s team assistants.
- Handle photocopying, scanning, and courier delivery of documents.
About you
- Experience in a demanding, high‑performing professional services environment.
- Experience in Family Law (essential).
- Extremely well‑organised with excellent diary and time‑management skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Proactive, flexible, and self‑motivated.
- Strong team player.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point).
- Experience with Big Hand, Elite 3E, i Manage/File Site advantageous.
- Systems used
- Microsoft Outlook 2010
- Microsoft Word 2010
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Power Point 2010
- Microsoft Excel 2010
- i Manage
- Big Hand Digital Dictation System
- Elite 3E
- My Performance Leader
- Docusign
- Core hours
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Hybrid Working Pattern
- Week 1: 2 days in office
- Week 2: 3 days in office
- Pattern alternates every week.
EEO Statement
Howard Kennedy is an equal‑opportunity employer.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities and are committed to a fair, transparent, and accessible recruitment process.
We strive to remove barriers for candidates with unique needs. If you require adjustments during interviews, assessments, or onboarding, please let us know.
Agency Policy
We are not accepting applications via agencies for this role at this time. Any named CVs submitted without approval will not be considered and no agency fee will be paid.
Contact
Reach out to our recruitment team at recruitment@howardkennedy. com for support or enquiries.
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Legal PA, Private Client & Family employer: Howard Kennedy LLP
At Howard Kennedy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Located in the heart of London, our firm offers a dynamic environment where Information Security Analysts can thrive, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. We value diversity and individualism, ensuring that every team member is supported in their career journey while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance our clients' trust and security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal PA, Private Client & Family
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Howard Kennedy LLP, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal PA, Private Client & Family
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Howard Kennedy LLP, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Howard Kennedy LLP and the specific role of Legal PA, Private Client & Family. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Howard Kennedy LLP’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howard Kennedy LLP
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Howard Kennedy LLP.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Howard Kennedy LLP.