Legal Secretary - Business Services Group (12 Month FTC) Business Professional · London ·

Legal Secretary - Business Services Group (12 Month FTC) Business Professional · London ·

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Wedlake Bell LLP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support a dynamic legal team with document preparation, diary management, and client communication.
  • Company: Join Wedlake Bell, a top 100 law firm in the heart of London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Experience exciting team events, including ski trips and walking adventures.
  • Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values work/life balance and personal development.
  • Qualifications: At least four years as a Legal Secretary in a fast-paced law firm.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Wedlake Bell's Business Services Group is seeking to recruit a Legal Secretary to join their growing team. This is a full-time, 12 month fixed-term contact (FTC) position, with the expectation of 3 days in-office per week.

As a Legal Secretary in our Business Services Group team, your role will be instrumental in ensuring the team have the support they need to run smoothly. You will support our fee earners with a range of tasks from preparing legal documents, file management and maintenance, diary management, client liaisons, and other ad-hoc responsibilities which contribute to the success of the team.

This role is perfect for a Legal Secretary who thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic team, and prides themselves on the service they provide. We are seeking someone with established Legal Secretary (ideally at least four years) experience in a fast-paced law firm environment.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Supporting the preparation and management of legal documents, BD and promotional materials, presentations, and correspondence related to fee-earning matters, from dictation, drafts, or typed documents;
  • Efficient diary management for fee earners, including arranging meetings and appointments, in-person or video calls (via MS Teams);
  • Responding quickly to complete new tasks set by the team (via BigHand);
  • Organising travel arrangements for business trips, in the UK and abroad;
  • Communicating with clients and other stakeholders, offering administrative and case-related support;
  • Opening, maintaining and organising team files (via iManage) to ensure information is easily accessible;
  • Liaise with the firm's AML team to open new matters following established procedures, liaising with the client to obtain and collate required documents;
  • Supporting the team's BD initiatives where possible, including updating the CRM with client information and activity (via InterAction);
  • Coordinate the billing process for fee-earners by opening matters (via 3E Elite), liaising with the Accounts & Finance team throughout the process for instructions, changes, and to finalise invoices;
  • Handling confidential information with discretion; and
  • Other ad-hoc duties as required.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

  • Proven experience as a Legal Secretary (at least four years) in a fast-paced law firm, ideally (though not essential to be considered) within a commercial sector (corporate, commercial, etc) or private client environment (tax, trusts, estates, working with HNW individuals);
  • Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively under tight deadlines;
  • Fast and accurate typing skills, with high standards of written English and grammar;
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with an emphasis on client service;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with legal document management systems or other key software's (iManage, 3E Elite, InterAction, BigHand, etc);
  • A keen attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all aspects of work;
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment; and
  • Discretion in handling confidential information.

Why join us?

  • A competitive starting salary and bonus;
  • A comprehensive pension plan;
  • 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
  • Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
  • Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
  • Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
  • Enhanced parental leave policies;
  • Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
  • Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships;
  • A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.

Legal Secretary - Business Services Group (12 Month FTC) Business Professional · London · employer: Wedlake Bell LLP

Wedlake Bell is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant City of London, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises work/life balance and personal development. As a Legal Secretary in our Business Services Group, you will benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, and unique team-building events like our annual ski trip, all while contributing to a top-tier law firm recognised for its commitment to employee growth and wellbeing.

Wedlake Bell LLP

Contact Details:

Wedlake Bell LLP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Secretary - Business Services Group (12 Month FTC) Business Professional · London ·

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

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Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

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Leverage Your University’s Career Services

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We think you need these skills to ace Legal Secretary - Business Services Group (12 Month FTC) Business Professional · London ·

Legal Document Preparation
File Management
Diary Management
Client Liaison
Organisational Skills
Fast and Accurate Typing
Written and Verbal Communication

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Wedlake Bell LLP, 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 Wedlake Bell LLP and the specific role of Legal Secretary - Business Services Group (12 Month FTC) Business Professional · London ·. 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 Wedlake Bell LLP’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wedlake Bell LLP

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 Wedlake Bell LLP.

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 Wedlake Bell LLP.