We are seeking a Legal Secretary to work as part of our Private Client team, delivering the highest levels of service to our clients by providing secretarial and administrative support to a minimum of 2 lawyers.
Our private client team is one of the largest and most experienced in Hertfordshire with four partners, one consultant, three senior associates, six solicitors, a court of protection manager and four legal assistants. We are ranked tier 1 in Legal 500 and band 1 in Chambers HNW.
Key Responsibilities
The key responsibilities are listed below, but may vary depending on the needs of that team and their clients.
Answer the telephone and assist clients with enquiries when the lawyer is not available
Meet clients who call into the office without an appointment on behalf of the lawyers, answer queries, take messages and make file notes
Open and close client files consistent with standard procedures including performing online money laundering checks, and assisting with any manual money laundering and risk management checks
Liaise with clients as directed
Maintain lawyers’ diaries and make appointments
Organise internal and external meetings including meeting room bookings and refreshments
Manage outgoing post and emails
Maintain internal and client files to ensure they are up-to-date at all times
Undertake typing for lawyers
Drafting of standard letters and forms for the lawyer’s approval
General document management such as requesting and logging deeds coming in and out of the firm
Collate work received from the outsourced typing company including arranging necessary enclosures ready to send out
Liaise with the accounts team to ensure timely and accurate accounts administration, making transaction requisitions through the peppermint system (our practice management system) and to include receiving cheques, entering on file and passing to accounts
Input client and potential client contact details into peppermint and/or isokon (probate case management system) and hoowla (residential case management system)
Undertake administrative tasks such as photocopying and file archiving
Create and maintain a tidy and well organised office environment
Ensure any faults with the team’s IT, telephones and printers are reported
Work as part of a team, assisting with wider secretarial and telephone cover as required.
Undertake tasks in connection with client/administrative matters, including any risk management tasks relating the clients and matters.
Comply, adopt and be familiar with firm policies and procedures
Attributes Required
Secretarial experience in a law firm is desirable
Strong and confident client relationship experience and skills
Good understanding of client service
A good understanding of the context in which the work is being done
Fast and accurate keyboard skills – 50 wpm minimum
Good grasp of grammar and spelling
Good written and verbal communication skills
Computer literacy in relevant software packages
Experience of using a practice/case management system
High level organisation and administration skills including the ability to prioritise work
Initiative
Ability to take direction, instructions and feedback in a positive manner
Ability to cope with pressure and maintain a calm manner at all times
Good time keeping
Smart appearance
Attention to detail
Trustworthy and reliable
We are a multi-service law firm based in Hertfordshire, known for delivering clients outstanding service and our award winning legal advice.
We are proud of our past, progressive in our outlook and unrelenting in our dedication to growth through doing more for our people, our personal and business clients and our communities.