Legal Assistant in Birmingham

Legal Assistant in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist clients, manage enquiries, and support legal processes in a dynamic team environment.
  • Company: Join Shakespeare Martineau, a forward-thinking law firm that values diversity and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Flexible working hours, training provided, and opportunities for career progression.
  • Other info: Part-time and full-time roles available, perfect for students balancing studies.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your legal career with hands-on experience and a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Customer service or administrative experience preferred; legal background not required.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

Overview

Are you a team player with a great attitude? Do you have strong communication, organisational and customer service skills? Do you have some experience in a legal role? Or are you interested in developing a career within the legal industry and just need the chance to shine? If this sounds like you read on.

What you will be doing

  • Conducting initial interviews for new consumer client enquiries.
  • Prioritising all inbound telephone calls and conducting follow up calls to maximise the level of client instructions.
  • Corresponding to any new email/online enquiries within 15 minutes of receipt.
  • Completing initial ‘conflict of interest’ and ID checks.
  • Liaising with third-party suppliers, such as agents and experts providing pro bono advice.
  • Providing initial best costs advice to prospective clients, preparing retainer documentation and forms of authority following risk assessment and arranging cover where appropriate.
  • Using a case management system to process and progress queries and workflows.
  • Conducting ad hoc research to help understand the medical terms and procedures that may influence the risk assessment process.
  • Managing the rejection process for enquiries that fail fundamental risk assessment measures, such as jurisdiction, limitation etc.
  • Recording and reporting on the present position for all enquiries and reasons for non-conversion.
  • Producing (where appropriate) file rejection correspondence, such as advice on limitation, seeking alternative legal advice, etc.
  • Assisting with file closure procedures, such as archiving, collection of fees from ATE providers on failed cases etc.
  • Drafting own correspondence and documents.
  • Having a clear understanding of the litigation process so that clients can attain an overview at the initial stages.
  • Assisting with project work across our wider Managed Legal Services team.
  • Taking telephone calls from debtors wishing to make payments to the firm.
  • Responding to new enquiries received across a number of work streams being serviced by other brands within Ampa.

What you will need

  • Experience gained from within a sales, customer services, call centre, retail or administrative background would be advantageous.
  • Experience, or confidence, in communicating effectively over the phone.
  • Confidence with IT systems to include Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Although preferable, legal experience is not necessary for this position, as training will be provided. Applications are welcomed from candidates with non-legal backgrounds, candidates returning to work from career breaks, or those looking to change industry sector.
  • A desire to work and progress within a law firm.
  • The ability to multi-task and prioritise.
  • The ability to produce a high standard of work, whilst maintaining accuracy and good attention to detail.
  • Strong organisational skills whilst maintaining team processes and procedures.

About you

  • Highly enthusiastic, willing to go the extra mile and happy to go beyond the job description.
  • Respectful towards others and have a positive, willing and ‘can do’ attitude.
  • Keen to learn, interested in driving your own career progression and be proactive in taking ownership of this.

Hours & shift patterns

We are committed to providing a service to our clients between the hours of 8am and 9pm Monday to Friday (including Bank Holidays), and 9am to 5.30pm on a Saturday and Sunday. Once training has been completed, you will work to shift patterns to accommodate these hours on a rota basis. We are keen to hear individuals who are looking for full time or part time employment. For this position you must be able to work weekend shifts, as well as have some flexibility in the week. An ideal opportunity should you be looking for hours to fit around studies or family commitments.

Benefits, agile working and additional information

We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work. We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it. We have the following hubs across the UK: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Sheffield, Solihull, Stratford upon Avon & Tunbridge Wells.

Equal opportunities

Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

About Shakespeare Martineau

Welcome to Shakespeare Martineau, where we’re more than just a full-service law firm. With over 1100 specialists, including lawyers and business support professionals, we’re committed to unlocking potential in our people and clients, inspiring confidence, growth, and development. Our purpose is clear: we provide creative solutions and advice that help individuals and businesses achieve their commercial and personal goals. But what truly sets us apart is our focus on building lasting relationships and championing our clients, ensuring they receive the best possible business and personal advice. At Shakespeare Martineau, it’s our people who make us special. We understand what our team members want and give them the support they need to succeed. Recognising everyone’s contribution and harnessing the unique power of teams, we work together to achieve success. Diversity is at the heart of our firm. We actively build and develop diverse teams, bringing together different backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives to deliver amazing solutions for our clients. We believe in playing to our strengths, constantly striving to improve, and empowering our teams with individual responsibility for their own learning and growth.

Join us at Shakespeare Martineau and become a valued member of a team where we unlock your potential, appreciate your contributions, and achieve success together.

Legal Assistant in Birmingham employer: Shakespeare Martineau

Join a forward-thinking and supportive firm that values your contributions and fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect. As a Paralegal in our Trusts and Estates Disputes team, you'll benefit from hands-on experience in a dynamic legal environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development alongside industry leaders. Our hybrid working model across locations like Bristol, Nottingham, and Stratford upon Avon ensures flexibility, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.

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Contact Details:

Shakespeare Martineau Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Assistant in Birmingham

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Shakespeare Martineau. Understand their values, culture, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Legal Assistant. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!

Tip Number 3

Show off your soft skills! Since communication and customer service are key for this role, be ready to share examples of how you've excelled in these areas. Whether it's handling a tricky customer or working as part of a team, let your personality shine through.

Tip Number 4

Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic fit for the team!

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Assistant in Birmingham

Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Customer Service Skills
Experience in a Legal Role
IT Proficiency (Microsoft Word and Excel)
Multi-tasking
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for the legal field shine through! We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely excited about the opportunity to grow and learn with us.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we do at Shakespeare Martineau.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Shakespeare Martineau

Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Legal Assistant at Shakespeare Martineau. Familiarise yourself with tasks like conducting client interviews and managing enquiries. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to take on the role.

Show Off Your Communication Skills

Since strong communication is key for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated, whether in customer service or any other role. This will showcase your ability to handle client interactions confidently.

Demonstrate Organisational Skills

Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively. Think of specific instances where you’ve juggled various responsibilities, especially in fast-paced environments. This will highlight your ability to thrive in the dynamic setting of a law firm.

Embrace a Positive Attitude

Shakespeare Martineau values a 'can do' attitude, so come prepared to share how you approach challenges with enthusiasm. Whether it’s a tough project or a difficult client, showing that you’re willing to go the extra mile will resonate well with the interviewers.