At a Glance
- Tasks: Support partners and associates with client and admin tasks, ensuring smooth operations.
- Company: Join Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, a top global law firm with a rich history since 1884.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and a supportive, diverse environment.
- Other info: This is an entry-level, full-time role with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a prestigious firm while building professional relationships and skills.
- Qualifications: Strong MS Office skills, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Description/Job Summary
Providing a high level and proactive support to an allocation of partners and associates in relation to client and administrative matters ensuring that the needs of the client are met.
Responsibilities/Duties
General
- Acting as gatekeeper for fee earners, answering telephone calls, directing as appropriate and providing accurate information.
- Diary management for fee earners.
- Assisting with the drafting of correspondence and documents where appropriate e.g. emails, event invites and engagement letters.
- Amending, converting and formatting documents and processing mark‑ups; creating and amending pitch documents in Powerpoint.
- Arranging travel for fee earner meetings and events, including domestic and international travel.
- Assisting with fee earner time recording.
- Arranging internal and client meetings to include room bookings and organising lunches.
- Managing fee earner expense claims.
- Supporting wider team members as and when needed.
- Any other duties required to ensure a full administrative service to fee earners.
Matter Management and Input
- Opening new matters, assisting the fee earner with conflict checks and liaising with the risk/client engagement team.
- Completing matter opening forms.
- Assisting the fee earner with implementing and monitoring Chinese walls and insider lists when required.
- Assisting with billing tasks when required.
Client
- Client interacting role, therefore, knowledge of all key clients and their assistants with regular direct communication.
- Liaising with clients to arrange meetings.
- Assisting with answering billing queries by email or over the phone.
- Arranging BD/networking events with clients.
Required Skills
- Professional and courteous manner, building and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Extensive knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook and other MS Office products is essential.
- Knowledge of document management systems.
- Fast and accurate typing with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritise workload.
- Ability to self‑manage and deal with conflicting priorities from different sources.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills with the ability to communicate with staff at all levels, including Partners and clients.
- Ability to work effectively within a team as well as independently.
- Must be flexible.
Team: This float Assistant will provide flexible administrative support across multiple teams or departments, covering absences and assisting wherever needed to ensure smooth office operations.
Salary and Benefits
Competitive.
Hybrid
Monday-Thursday in office, ability to WFH on Fridays.
Equal Opportunities
Simpson Thacher is committed to being a Firm where everyone can reach their full potential, irrespective of background, identity or circumstance. We recognise that in order to be successful we need to attract, retain and develop diverse talent at all levels. This means recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent and fostering a collegial environment which maximises collaboration and empowers everyone at Simpson Thacher to bring their whole selves to work.
#J-18808-LjbffrAssistant (Float - Legal Secretary) in London employer: Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where employees are empowered to thrive through collaboration and diversity. With competitive salaries, a hybrid working model, and a strong commitment to professional development, the firm fosters a culture that values every individual's contribution while providing ample opportunities for growth within one of the world's leading international law firms.
Contact Details:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant (Float - Legal Secretary) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal terminology and processes relevant to the role. Understanding the basics of legal documentation and client interactions will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider knowledge about the firm’s culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your proficiency in MS Office applications, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Consider creating a portfolio showcasing your skills in document formatting and presentation design to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for situational questions that assess your organisational and prioritisation skills. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or dealt with conflicting priorities.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant (Float - Legal Secretary) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of the Assistant (Float - Legal Secretary) role. Emphasise your proficiency in MS Office products and any previous administrative roles.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the legal sector and your ability to support fee earners effectively. Mention specific examples of how you've managed conflicting priorities or built relationships in past roles.
Highlight Communication Skills:Since this role involves client interaction, emphasise your excellent communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully liaised with clients or colleagues in previous positions.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Attention to detail is crucial for this role, so ensure your application reflects that quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
✨Research the Firm
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Understand their values, key clients, and recent cases. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the firm and its work.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Assistant (Float - Legal Secretary), you'll need to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully prioritised workloads and handled conflicting priorities in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. During the interview, highlight your experience in liaising with clients and colleagues. Use clear and concise language, and be ready to provide examples of how you've built strong working relationships.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since the role requires extensive knowledge of MS Office products, be ready to answer questions about your proficiency in these tools. You might even be asked to demonstrate your skills, so brush up on your document formatting and presentation creation abilities.
