Job Description

Job Summary

An interesting opportunity has arisen in a reputable and well established law firm in Chichester for an HR Advisor to join the team on a full time basis.

The ideal candidate will play a vital role in maintaining the functionality of HR matters. This position requires sound HR knowledge as well as a good understanding of compliance, GDPR, AML regulations, legal accounts and the SRA Rules. Strong communication and IT skills are also essential requirements.

This role would be suited to an experienced Legal HR Advisor, Legal Office / Practice Manager or a Legal Cashier looking to transition over to an HR role.

The HR Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing human resources functions while providing high-level administrative support to the Managing Partner. This multifaceted position requires exceptional organisational skills, discretion, and the ability to manage diverse responsibilities efficiently within a legal environment.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources and Compliance

Manage pension administration, liaise with providers and process employee requests. Maintain accurate absence and holiday records, ensuring compliance with firm policies. Provide confidential support to employees, addressing workplace concerns and liaising with department heads. Oversee recruitment, from drafting job advertisements and liaising with recruiters to filtering applications and coordinating interviews. Administer training contract applications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and managing trainee placements. Maintain up-to-date HR records, oversee job description updates, and process staff changes effectively. Ensure compliance with employment regulations, including flexible working requests, disciplinary matters, maternity/paternity leave, and diversity reporting. Keep intranet calendars up to date with key firm dates such as bank holidays and firm-wide events.

Payroll and Benefits Administration

Ensure accurate payroll processing, tracking staff changes, pay adjustments, and pension contributions. Administer salary sacrifice schemes and employee benefits such as healthcare plans. Process annual Practising Certificates for legal professionals, ensuring regulatory compliance and accessibility.

Legal and Compliance Administration

Oversee SRA-related compliance, including bulk applications for Practising Certificates and diversity questionnaires. Manage lender panel applications, ensuring all necessary updates and documentation are maintained. Handle regulatory accreditation renewals, such as CQS re-accreditation, monitoring training completion and adherence to deadlines. Administer Lexis Nexis and Thomson Reuters subscriptions, ensuring access for staff, resolving user issues, and managing renewals. Manage firm-wide training resources, ensuring course completion and liaising with training providers.

Partnership and Strategic Support

Support the Managing Partner with complaints, negligence matters, COFA/COLP reports, and risk assessments. Assist Partners with confidential matters, training initiatives, and marketing strategies. Organise key firm activities and ensure smooth coordination of partnership responsibilities. Liaise with training organizations and oversee membership renewals where required.

Personal Assistant Responsibilities

Provide high-level administrative support, managing schedules, meetings, and sensitive documentation. Act as a liaison between the Managing Partner and internal teams, ensuring seamless communication and operational efficiency. Support strategic firm-wide initiatives as needed.

Salary:

Competitive salary to the successful candidate, commensurate with experience and ability.

Hours and Location:

This is a full-time role working 9 am to 5.15pm Monday to Friday in Chichester.

If you have proven knowledge and skills in HR gained within a legal background, together with legal accounts, knowledge of the SRA Rules, strong communication and IT skills, we would encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity as Legal Office Manager

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to 45,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person