Receptionist (London & Bishop's Stortford based)

Nockolds is an award-winning law firm driven by a genuine passion for providing exceptional service and delivering the highest quality legal advice while staying true to the values that have shaped us. We pride ourselves on forming strong, lasting connections with our clients, built on trust, understanding and a commitment to supporting them whenever they need us. Many of our clients return to us time and again because of the personal relationships we’ve developed.

As a leading Legal 500 and Chambers Law firm with offices in Bishop’s Stortford, London, and Spain, we are proud of the reputation we’ve built. Our history spans more than 190 years, but we continue to grow and evolve cementing our reputation for delivering exceptional results across a wide range of practice areas. Joining Nockolds means being part of a dynamic, growing, and forward-thinking organisation dedicated to excellence in legal practice and client services.

Our culture is at the heart of everything we do, it’s enabled us to expand whilst remaining a friendly, supportive, and inclusive environment where you can grow, feel valued, and be encouraged to bring your best self to work every day. We are listed in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For and have held the “We Invest in People – Gold” accreditation since 2012 and recently attained the “We Invest in Wellbeing – Silver” award, reflecting our genuine commitment to our people. We firmly believe our staff are our most important asset. Our philosophy is simple: when we look after our people, they look after our clients.

At Nockolds, our culture is driven through our values. These are an important part of the firm and were shaped by our people and lived by us all:

• Professional – we are excellent at what we do and committed to providing the highest standard of service.
• Approachable – we pride ourselves on the strong relationships we build with our clients.
• Dynamic – proud of our history but we are always moving forward.
• Integrity – quite simply, we believe in always doing the right thing.

We also care about the community around us. Through our charity initiatives and work with local schools and businesses, we aim to make a positive difference. Diversity is a core part of who we are, and we’re proud that over 40% of our partnership is made up of women.

The Team

Our Reception Team is the welcoming face of the business, providing a professional and friendly first point of contact for clients, visitors and colleagues. Working across our London and Bishop’s Stortford offices, the team plays an important role in keeping the offices running smoothly, from managing calls and meeting rooms to supporting day-to-day administration and office services. The team is organised, proactive and client-focused, with a strong commitment to delivering an excellent experience at every interaction.

About the Role

You will be responsible for providing a professional front-of-house service and supporting the smooth running of the office. Duties include managing calls and visitors, coordinating meeting rooms, handling post and couriers, maintaining office supplies and records, and providing general administrative support across the London and Bishop’s Stortford offices.

You will be responsible for:

• Operation of main switchboard including the detailed logging of all calls received.
• Welcoming of clients and other visitors to the office.
• Maintaining the interview room booking diaries.
• Setting up the meeting rooms in accordance with the booking: Organising refreshments, lunches, etc.
• Organising any IT requirements, e.g. Zoom meetings and troubleshooting any technical problems.
• Recording any cheques or cash that are left with reception by clients.
• Franking mail and taking to the post box on departure.
• Sorting and distributing of post.
• Organising couriers as and when requested.
• Stocking stationery and printer paper.
• Redirecting computer email faxes as received to the correct department/individual.
• Responsible for petty cash and stamps.
• Providing administrative assistance to our document storage team.
• Creating and keeping a thorough record of ID passes issued.
• Assisting with office admin work for fee earners as and when required.
• Ordering milk and refreshments for the office as well as coffee supplies.
• Working between the London and Bishop Stortford office.

About You

You will have GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above, be confident using Microsoft 365 (including Outlook, Word, and Excel), and be willing to learn Reception systems and processes. You can communicate clearly and professionally, work collaboratively, and handle confidential client information with tact and discretion. You will be organised and accurate, manage time and priorities effectively, show initiative, and follow through on actions—remaining calm and professional when working under pressure.

Benefits Package

• 22 days holiday (fte) plus Bank Holidays, rising to 28 days.
• Private Healthcare offered through Vitality or SimplyHealth.
• Royal London Pension Scheme (4% employer/4% employee, rising to 6% after 10 years’ service).
• Annual Discretionary Bonus Scheme.
• Salary Sacrifice (Pensions, Electric Car Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme).
• Life Assurance – 4 x salary.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay.
• Hybrid Working Policy.

Nockolds has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.

Nockolds is committed to your development and we provide clear pathways for career progression supported by a comprehensive learning and development plan.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nockolds Solicitors is committed to being an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive firm that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.

The use of AI

At Nockolds we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, judge, reject, or approve any recruitment decisions, at any stage of our recruitment process. Our hiring managers and HR team are responsible for all recruitment decisions, ensuring a personal and thoughtful approach to each candidate.