At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide secretarial support to a busy Private Client team, including document preparation and client interaction.
- Company: Join a top-rated law firm known for its supportive culture and high staff retention.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, competitive salary, and wellbeing resources.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team with opportunities for professional growth and social events.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in clients' lives while developing your career in a prestigious environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a legal secretary, particularly in Private Client, with strong typing and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
The firm Taylor Walton is a well-established and highly regarded regional law firm with offices located in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. We provide legal advice and solutions to business owners, FTSE 350 companies, public and private sector organisations, charities and high-net worth individuals. We organise our legal services by expertise: Commercial Property, Corporate & Commercial, Commercial Litigation, Employment, Residential Conveyancing, Family and Private Client.
Clients may well be supported through their business and private life experiences by a number of our practice areas, with many clients engaging our services for many years. Our reputable success is attributed to the calibre of our people. In the same way that we are committed to providing exceptional quality legal services to our clients, we are committed to fostering an engaging and supportive environment in which to work and develop a rewarding career. We are very proud of our exceptionally high staff retention rate and an average length of service unrivalled within our region.
The department Our Private Client Team is Chambers rated and ranked Tier 1 in Legal 500 (in the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Middlesex Region) with our Department Head, Alex Drake and fellow Partners Alison Voyce and Steven Hamilton recognised for their specialist expertise. We advise business owners and high-net worth individuals often over generations on both local and multi-jurisdictional matters relating to wills, estate planning, probate, trusts, powers of attorney and tax planning strategies. All partners in the team have a substantial personal following and are members of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). The team was named ‘Legal Team of the Year 2019’ by the Hertfordshire Law Society and recognised in The Times – Best Law Firms in the same year.
About the role We are pleased to offer the opportunity for an experienced Private Client secretary to join our established Private Client team in our Harpenden office. The successful applicant will join a team of Departmental Secretaries who provide full secretarial and administrative support to a busy group of Partners and Solicitor fee earners.
Responsibilities include:
- Will and Lasting Power of Attorney preparation largely utilising precedent documentation
- Correspondence to clients and third parties
- Supportive administration in relation to probate estates
- Audio transcription and document production
However, there will be plenty of occasions to interact with clients and third parties over the phone - experience in this area of legal practice is required as is a professional, empathetic and clear telephone manner.
The role requires:
- An experienced legal secretary - experience in Private Client is required
- Experience of audio transcription
- Good computer literacy including Word, Excel, HMRC tax portal
- Fast and accurate touch typing - minimum 50wpm
- Close attention to detail
- A natural sense of urgency and able to work under pressure
- Utmost discretion and confidentiality
What we can offer you:
- A competitive salary
- 33 days holiday including Bank Holidays
- Birthday Leave
- Group Life Assurance cover immediately on joining
- Firm pension contribution and opportunity to make contributions via salary exchange
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Full induction and training programme with modern IT systems
- On-going access to in-house IT training
- An inclusive, supportive, friendly and professional working environment
- Social events and internal interest/sports clubs
- Employee-led active CSR programme
- Paid Volunteer Time for all staff
- Free Will writing
- Free Conveyancing
- Thank you vouchers at Christmas
- Employee recruitment referral scheme
- Annual Flu Vaccination voucher
Wellbeing related benefits:
- Wellbeing Hub - an app full of fantastic resources supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Bereavement and related support resources
- 24hr access to virtual GP services
- Counselling services
- Financial education resources including pension information webinars
Departmental Secretary in Harpenden employer: Taylor Walton
Taylor Walton is an exceptional employer, renowned for its supportive and engaging work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a strong focus on maintaining high staff retention rates, the firm offers competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a range of benefits including professional training, social events, and a commitment to corporate social responsibility. Working in the picturesque Harpenden office, employees enjoy a collaborative environment within a highly regarded Private Client team, recognised for its expertise and dedication to client service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Departmental Secretary in Harpenden
✨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 Taylor Walton, 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 Departmental Secretary in Harpenden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Taylor Walton, 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 Taylor Walton and the specific role of Departmental Secretary. 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 Taylor Walton’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Taylor Walton
✨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 Taylor Walton.
✨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 Taylor Walton.
