Job Description

Freeman Johnson Solicitors

Receptionist - Darlington Office

A vacancy has arisen for the position of Receptionist at the Darlington office of Freeman Johnson Solicitors.

Company Profile

Freeman Johnson is a well-established law firm based in the North East, with offices in Darlington, Durham, Northallerton and Middlesbrough, enabling us to provide quality legal services across a wide geographical area. With over 150 years of experience, we continue to support both individuals and businesses, and our long-standing heritage has made us a trusted fixture within our local communities and throughout the North East. Our Northallerton office first opened in 1890, followed by Darlington in 1918. Over the years, the firm has grown through the acquisition of Clinton, Clarke and Coia in Spennymoor (1998) and Jefferson Willan (2005), all of which now form part of Freemen Johnson.

The Role

As Receptionist, you will be the first point of contact for clients and visitors, playing a vital role in creating a professional and welcoming environment. The position requires excellent communication skills, a confident manner, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Answer, screen, and direct incoming phone calls professionally and promptly. Greet and welcome visitors, clients, and employees with a professional and friendly manner. Manage the front desk area to ensure it remains clean, organised, and presentable. Respond to general enquiries via phone, email, or in person. Take accurate messages and ensure timely delivery. Manage appointments and meeting room bookings using internal electronic calendars. Maintain visitor logs for health & safety purposes. Handle correspondence, both incoming and outgoing, including letters, emails, and packages. Perform general clerical duties, such as photocopying, scanning, checking client ID paperwork and filing. Assist with data entry and record-keeping tasks. Serve as the primary point of contact for customer enquiries, resolving issues promptly. Provide basic information about our services and opening hours via telephone and in person. Keep track of office maintenance requests and liaise with service providers. Operate office equipment, such as printers, fax machines, and phone systems. Ensure compliance with company procedures and health and safety standards.

Essential Skills:

Strong customer service skills Excellent verbal and written communication Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software Excellent attention to detail Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks Excellent time management skills Problem-solving and critical thinking Professional demeanour and appearance

Desirable Skills:

Knowledge of office administration procedures Conflict resolution skills Experience handling office security protocols
.

Essential Qualifications:

GCSE level 4 or above or equivalent in Maths and English Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office

Essential Experience:

Previous reception experience in a corporate environment Handling calls, and greeting visitors Managing administrative or clerical tasks

Desirable Experience:

Previous customer service experience Experience using CRM software Experience of scheduling meetings and coordinating events Certificate or diploma in office administration or customer service

Salary and Benefits

Competitive salary of 23,660 per annum FTE 25 days paid annual leave per year, plus Bank Holidays Extra day of paid leave for your birthday each year Workplace pension

Hours of Work

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm with an hour for lunch. Part time hours and job shares for this position will be considered.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected and long-established firm with strong community roots and a supportive and friendly working environment.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 23,660.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Work Location: In person