PA/Quality & Risk Assistant

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.

Shoosmiths LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and is also recognised as a multi-national practice with the Law Society of Scotland which regulates Scottish activities. We are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to carry out financial services regulated activities, including but not limited to insurance mediation and investment services. 

Providing full PA and administrative support to the Quality & Risk Director and Team who work across the offices supporting teams within the business, ensuring that the Firm meets all of its regulatory and legislative objectives and ensuring that risk management processes are embedded into the firm’s culture.

• Preparing agendas, reports, letters, file notes and supporting documentation
• Diary management acting proactively where possible and highlight diary clashes
• Organising meetings, events, training sessions both internally and externally
• Arranging travel and accommodation
• Preparation of draft emails and correspondence for approval
• Electronic filing of incoming and outgoing post and correspondence
• Preparation of Expense claims
• Supporting and reporting to the Director of Quality & Risk.
• Supporting the Q&R team in meeting their compliance objectives.
• Taking responsibility for the Q&R intranet pages ensuring that they are reviewed, updated, organised, developed and maintained.
• Reviewing new compliance related legislation/regulation to ensure the business is compliant and delivering “best practice” in quality and risk.
• Undertaking a gap analysis of current policies and procedures and highlighting gaps and inconsistencies.
• Dealing with first line Q&R calls from the business escalating where appropriate.
• Supporting the Q&R team in advising and communicating with the business on legal and regulatory requirements.
• Providing support on quality & risk projects.

• Previous PA/Administration experience in a similar role ideally within legal or within professional services
• Self motivated and able to work independently without supervision and to a high standard
• Excellent and accurate keyboard skills required, as you will be required to obtain typing speeds to a minimum of 65 wpm. 
• Excellent knowledge of key Microsoft applications – word, outlook, excel and PowerPoint
• Good working knowledge of digital dictation
• Taking care and attention into 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, verbal, written and telephone manner
• Ability to be positive, pro-active and 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.