Legal Assistant – Occupational Disease Department
Reporting to: Department Manager/Supervising Solicitor
Working Hours:Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm Salary:TBC
Job Description:
Oakwood Solicitors is committed to creating new career opportunities for military veterans and those transitioning from the Armed Forces into civilian employment.
We are seeking a highly organised and motivated Legal Assistant to join our growing Industrial Disease and Military Claims Department.
As a proud Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award recipient, supporting the Armed Forces community is a top priority of ours. We employ veterans, work closely with military organisations across the UK, and welcome veterans looking to transfer their skills into a rewarding legal career.
The successful candidate will provide administrative and legal support to solicitors and fee earners, helping to progress occupational disease claims efficiently and ensuring clients receive a professional and supportive service.
The role would suit someone with strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and an interest in developing a career within legal services.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide day-to-day administrative and legal support to solicitors and fee earners.
- Assist with the management and progression of occupational disease claims.
- Open and maintain electronic and paper client files in accordance with firm procedures.
- Communicate professionally with clients, solicitors, insurers, medical experts and other relevant parties.
- Take telephone calls, respond to emails and deal with correspondence promptly.
- Prepare letters, documents, forms and other legal correspondence.
- Request and obtain medical records, employment records and other relevant documentation.
- Assist with arranging medical appointments and liaising with medical experts.
- Chase outstanding documentation, reports and information to ensure matters progress within appropriate timescales.
- Assist with preparing claim documentation and evidence.
- Maintain accurate case management records and update the firm’s systems.
- Monitor key dates, deadlines and outstanding actions.
- Assist fee earners with general case administration and preparation.
- Ensure all work is completed accurately and in accordance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain client confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Provide a high standard of client care at all times.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties required by the department.
Key Skills and Experience
- Previous experience in an administrative, legal or customer-service role.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
- Confident telephone manner and professional approach to clients.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook and case management systems.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
Desired Skills:
- Previous experience working within a law firm.
- Experience within personal injury, industrial disease or occupational disease claims.
- Knowledge of legal terminology and the litigation process.
- Experience using a legal case management system.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
- Professional and approachable.
- Reliable and well organised.
- Proactive, with the ability to identify and follow up outstanding tasks.
- Calm and professional when dealing with clients and challenging situations.
- A strong team player.
- Willing to learn and develop their legal knowledge.
- Committed to providing excellent client service.
- Able to work accurately while managing a varied workload.
What We Offer
- Monday to Friday working hours, 9:00am–5:00pm.
- A supportive and professional working environment.
- Training and development opportunities.
- The opportunity to develop a career within occupational disease and litigation.
- Exposure to a varied caseload and experience working alongside experienced legal professionals.
- pension, annual leave, bonus scheme, EAP
Why Oakwood?
Here at Oakwood Solicitors, we're not your average law firm – our team delivers a service which caters to you. From assessing your case through to completion, our staff have not only the knowledge and expertise, but also the compassion and understanding to put you at ease throughout the process.
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Legal Assistant – Occupational Disease Department in Leeds employer: Oakwood Solicitors Ltd
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