Legal PA

A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 100 law firm to achieve “Gold Standard” Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance and pomposity makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

Our Real Estate group is one of the largest real estate teams in the UK, advising an impressive range of clients including commercial and residential developers, investors, major corporate occupiers and banks/funders. Offering exceptional market knowledge the team holds an outstanding reputation with clients and the market generally. “Clients are full of admiration for this team, noting it combines outstanding technical expertise with a “very” responsive service” (Chambers).

Providing a full PA secretarial service supporting Partners and the team and where required cover any secretarial absences within the rest of the office where necessary.  This role requires proactive thinking to support the needs of the department.  

• Typing of correspondence, emails, and documents.
• Typing reports, file notes and attendance notes.
• Preparing enclosures ready for signing and sending out with the post. 
• Opening and closing client files and dealing with other administration/finance matters.
• Filing of incoming and outgoing post and correspondence, and documents (including e-filing).
• Ensuring all client files (including e-files) are kept up to date and assist the team to maintain their files in accordance with internal quality service procedures.
• Establishing, administering and maintaining online data rooms.
• Compiling/sending bills and chasing bills as per instructions.
• Expenses.
• Completion of legal forms and similar administrative duties.
• Diary management, organising meetings, travel arrangements etc.
• Organisation of various types of events, e.g. Breakfast Seminars, networking events, conferences in conjunction with Business Development and Facilities team.
• Answering incoming calls and taking detailed messages from clients.

• Previous Legal secretary/PA experience within a Real Estate department.
• Excellent and accurate keyboard skills required, as you will be required to obtain typing speeds to a minimum of 60 wpm. 
• Good working knowledge of various applications –  Microsoft Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel, online data rooms and Digital Dictation.
• Taking care and attention on all correspondence and documentation.
• Flexible with the ability to adapt to change, new practices and cope under pressure.
• Excellent presentation skills reflected in their work.
• A methodical and organised approach with keen attention paid to every detail.
• Good organisational skills to ensure that the tasks are effectively scheduled within working time available, and that urgent work is completed and returned within the specified timescales.
• Friendly and helpful approach to dealing with queries.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good listening skills.
• Able to integrate within a team as well as working on one’s own initiative.
• Work as part of a team ensuring telephones/lunch cover.
• Ability to deliver a quality service to both internal and external clients.

Shoosmiths is a committed Equal Opportunities employer promoting equality of opportunity. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.