Job Description

Overview

Job Purpose:

To provide high-quality secretarial and administrative support to fee earners within the Family Law department, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of client matters and contributing to excellent client care. Initially three days a week (Monday, Tuesday and then Friday).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Secretarial and Administrative Support

Prepare, format, and proofread legal documents and correspondence including divorce petitions, financial statements, consent orders, witness statements, and court bundles. Manage dictations (digital or audio typing) and produce documents accurately and promptly. Shorthand would be an advantage. Fast and accurate typing skills and good spelling are essential as well as attention to detail. Open and close client files, ensuring all compliance and file management procedures are followed. Maintain up-to-date and accurate client records and case management systems. Diary management for partners Handle incoming and outgoing post, telephone calls, and emails in a professional manner.

2. Client Care and Communication

Act as the first point of contact for clients, dealing with routine enquiries efficiently and sensitively. Arrange client meetings, conferences, and court appointments. Maintain confidentiality at all times and handle sensitive family law matters with empathy and discretion.

3. Case Management and Support

Assist solicitors in managing court deadlines, filing documents, and tracking case progress (use of Quill case management system would be helpful) Prepare bundles for hearings and liaise with counsel, experts, and third parties. Monitor key dates (e.g., court deadlines, hearing dates) and ensure all parties are informed.

4. Financial Administration

Prepare and issue bills to clients and manage payment records. Record time entries and disbursements accurately on the firm's case management system. Liaise with accounts to ensure smooth financial processing.

5. General Office Duties

Support the wider family department with administrative tasks as required. Ensure compliance with the firm's policies on data protection, confidentiality, and health and safety.

Person Specification:

Qualifications and Experience

Proven experience as a Legal Secretary, ideally within Family Law. Good knowledge of family law procedures (divorce, children matters, financial remedies, etc.). Experience with legal case management systems (e.g., LEAP, Proclaim, Quill or similar). Audio/digital typing experience (minimum 60 -80 wpm).

Skills and Competencies

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organisational and time management abilities. High attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Discretion and empathy when dealing with sensitive family matters. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and Adobe.

Personal Attributes

Professional, approachable, and client-focused. Reliable, proactive, and able to use initiative. Team player with a positive and supportive attitude. Demonstrates confidentiality, integrity, and empathy.

Salary and Benefits:

Initial salary 30,000 pro rata but depending on experience

Work based pension

25 days holiday a year plus bank holidays

APPLY BY EMAIL: mhughes@sbplaw.co.uk

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to 30,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person