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 construction and engineering team advises on all aspects of legal construction matters, from strategic advice on procurement and institutional and market expectations at project inception, to contentious aspects of projects during and after the completion of a project. The team of five partners and ten other qualified lawyers, from senior associates to paralegals, helps clients across the industry, including developers, contractors, sub-contractors, consultants, public authorities, higher education bodies and funding and letting entities. We advise on development work, major infrastructure projects, remediation contracts and process plant and power generation projects. We also advise clients on disputed issues, and act in adjudication, Technology and Construction Court actions, and arbitration and mediation.

Providing a full PA and secretarial service supporting the Partner and Legal Advisors in the Construction Team and where required support to the other Real Estate Team PAs and cover for any secretarial absences within the rest of the office where necessary.  This role requires proactive thinking, exceptional organisation and the ability to use one’s initiative to support the needs of the team.  This role includes, but is not limited to the following:-

• Diary management acting proactively where possible and highlighting diary clashes.
• Organising meetings, travel arrangements, hotels etc.
• Business development; working with the team to look after and develop client relationships.
• Preparation/drafting correspondence for approval.
• Completing dictations in relation to emails, document, file notes, deeds schedules and reports etc.
• Preparing, amending and updating documents and organising engrossments.
• Organising meetings and events internally and externally ensuring best use of the Partners time.
• Completing and submitting file opening forms and liaising with Inception Team regarding conflict checks and money laundering compliance.
• Undertaking all client filing management and archiving tasks.
• Organising storage of files on and off site.
• Collation and managing financial reports and other finance data from the firm’s financial system.
• Monitoring of financial hygiene for the team.
• Receiving/scanning incoming post to case management system and Legal Advisers.
• Preparation of expense claims.
• Updating Interaction with client contact details.

• Previous Legal PA experience in a similar role looking after Partners and a broader team, but specific construction experience is not a pre-requisite.
• Patience and good upward management skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work without supervision 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. 
• Good working knowledge of various applications – word, outlook, digital dictation (power point and excel helpful but not a necessity).
• Taking care and attention to detail and quality in relation to 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 and telephone manner.
• Ability to prioritise, be organised and efficient.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Good listening skills.
• Able to integrate within a team.
• Ability to be pro-active and deliver a quality service to both internal and external clients.
• Willing to support across the broader Real Estate practice area as necessary.

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.