Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Lead Legal PA to join Fieldfisher's highly regarded Real Estate team providing support to senior stakeholders and driving excellence across our PA team. The ideal candidate will have a strong legal background, exceptional organisational skills, and a collaborative approach to leadership.
In addition to existing PA responsibilities, the Lead PA duties include:

• Providing high-quality PA support to the Business Unit Leader and a small allocation of Fee Earners
• Day to day management and support of the PA team, whilst working closely with the PAs.
• Being a role model and ensuring that the agreed PA model and Hybrid Policy is being adhered to by all team members across the Business Unit.
• Day-to-day management of the PA team, being a role model and ensuring that the agreed PA model and Hybrid
• Policy is being adhered to by all team members across the Business Unit.
• Supervise the performance management process through Clear Review. Ensure that all team members are fully engaged and utilising the system appropriately.
• Chair PA team meetings on regular basis to foster teamwork across all locations and, in addition, ensure that the PAs are updated with key information.
• Attend and fully participate as a Team Member in the monthly Lead PA meetings, and ensure any assigned actions are completed on time, and information is cascaded to the Real Estate PA as appropriate.
• Highlight any issues which are affecting the performance of any member of the PA team to the PA Operations
• Manager and agree on a plan of action to resolve these issues. This includes poor timekeeping and absenteeism.
• Managing the PA allocations and adjusting them accordingly based on business needs. Forward planning to account for pinch points.
• Seek feedback on a regular basis from Partners/Fee Earners on the performance of the PA team and address any issues that have been brought to your attention. Ensure that the PA Operations Manager is updated accordingly.
• Meet with the Business Manager and nominated Partner on a regular basis to discuss ways to develop the support provided by the PA team and also to address any issues.
• Assess and lead on the training and development of the PA team
• Ensure that the probation process is properly managed. Ensuring that feedback is sought at 6 weeks and a meeting is held with any new joiner to provide feedback, and an action plan is devised to address any issues. This process must be repeated at the end of the probation period. Any issues that are of concern must be discussed with the PA Operations Manager.
• Approve and manage planned absences through Cascade and update Cascade with any sickness absences.
• In the event of planned or unplanned absences, ensure PA cover is arranged and communicated to the relevant partners and fee earners.
• Assess and coordinate recruitment needs with the Recruitment team
• Facilitating onboarding for new PAs and assigning a "buddy" for day-to-day support
• Support the PA Operations Manager and PA Development Manager with specific projects across Legal Support Services
• Undertake any further training required to support the role.

Experience, skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of and experience in office management
• Clear and effective communication skills
• Good decision-making skills
• Proven experience in successfully leading a team, including managing workloads, providing guidance and encouraging team collaboration
• Experience in managing projects, coordinating schedules and ensuring timely completion of tasks
• An ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and maintain an organised work environment
• Proficient in the various platforms and portals used by the firm and able to instruct or direct others in the use of the same
• Ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions
• Strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships within the team across locations
• Understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately
• Empathetic and act with integrity and honesty at all times
• Flexible and open to change and change leadership
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations

Who are we looking for?

• We don't have a type. We believe our differences are our strengths; varied cultures, approaches and experiences can only benefit us.

What do we offer?

• You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We're a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.
• In the office or WFH?: We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.
• Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more. Visit:

. * Come for the WOW views: Riverbank House is in the City, just next to London Bridge with stunning views of The Shard and Tower Bridge. It's a short walk from Monument/Bank.

• Nurturing your talent: Take a 'build a career' approach to your training. You'll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you'd like to study more closely.
• Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro bono/charity initiatives.

Inclusion is not exclusive:
If all our differences are highlighted, no one stands out for being different. At Fieldfisher, all our rich diversity is celebrated.
We will provide the equipment to allow you to shine at the interview and beyond. Just let us know what you need.
For accessibility information on our London office, visit:
What to do next:

• Click 'Apply Now', complete an online application and upload a CV.
• Successful applications will be invited to a 20-30-minute introductory call with a recruiter.
• Every role recruits differently. But we'll always let you know what to expect from the process, so you get no surprises.
• For hybrid opportunities, you'll be invited to visit our offices for a face-to-face meeting.
• We try to make sure the process takes around 2-3 weeks only, but we can't always promise that. We will work around everyone's availability. You can contact us at

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We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline. We accept applications until we have filled the role.
Fieldfisher is a European law firm with market-leading practices in many of the world's most dynamic sectors. We are an exciting, forward-thinking organisation with a particular focus on technology, financial services, energy & natural resources, and life sciences.
We are a law firm built around people with all their diversity and we strike a healthy balance between legal excellence and a down-to-earth practical approach to our clients' needs. We believe The Future is Human, so we choose a collaborative approach with an intense focus on the end-user and consider carefully how to shape our services to add the most value to our clients.

Skills Required