Owen Reed is looking for an experienced Legal PA to provide proactive secretarial and administrative support within a law firm’s Dispute Resolution team.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and a professional approach to client service. Previous secretarial experience within a law firm is essential, and litigation experience would be advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Support

• Manage diaries proactively, maintaining awareness of fee earners’ workloads to anticipate requirements and plan ahead with minimal supervision.
• Process relevant applications, forms and searches accurately and efficiently.
• Develop and maintain a good understanding of departmental systems and processes.

Client Relationships & Business Development

• Deliver excellent service to internal and external clients in a timely and professional manner, presenting a positive image of the firm.
• Act as a first point of contact for fee earners.
• Assist with marketing communications and record business development meetings in the CRM system.
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times.

Document Production

• Produce high-quality typed work at speed and with accuracy, following house style and internal guidelines.
• Make effective use of the Document Management System.
• Create documents using the firm’s templates and contact information from the CRM system where appropriate.
• Proofread documents for spelling, grammar and clarity, querying wording where necessary.

IT Skills & Systems

• Maintain a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

File Management

• Work proactively with fee earners to ensure files are maintained, kept up to date, closed and archived as appropriate.
• Keep accurate records of files sent to off-site storage through Records.

Financial & Risk Management

• Prepare bills as required by fee earners.
• Prepare AML documentation and obtain relevant information from clients promptly.
• Carry out conflict searches and correctly identify the work type.

Skills & Experience

• Previous secretarial experience within a law firm is essential.
• Previous litigation experience would be advantageous.
• GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/level 4, or equivalent, are essential.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to plan ahead with minimal supervision.
• Excellent typing, proofreading and document formatting skills.
• A professional, client-focused approach and a commitment to confidentiality.

The responsibilities outlined are not exhaustive, and additional duties may be required to meet the needs of the firm.