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.

Providing a full PA and secretarial service supporting the Partners and Legal Advisors in the Regulatory & Financial Crime Team and where required cover for any secretarial absences within the rest of the office where necessary.  This role requires proactive thinking to support the needs of the Legal Advisors.  This role includes but is not limited to the following:-

• Diary management acting proactively where possible and highlight diary clashes.
• Business development; working with the team to look after and develop Client relationships.
• Organising meetings and events internally and externally ensuring best use of the Partners time.
• Organising meetings and events internally and externally.
• Collation and sending out of client monthly reports.
• Monitoring of financial hygiene for the team, including assisting with the monthly billing processes.
• Preparation of draft emails and correspondence for approval.
• Typing reports, file notes and attendance notes.
• Preparing enclosures ready for signing and sending out with the post. 
• Opening and closing client files in line with best practice.
• Undertaking all money laundering compliance on new client inception.
• Undertaking all conflict check compliance on new matter inception.
• Filing of incoming and outgoing post and correspondence.
• Preparation of Expense claims.
• Cheque requisitions.
• Undertaking all client filing management and archiving tasks.
• Updating Interaction with client contact details.
• Liaising with clients over the telephone and at times in person.
• Organising meetings, travel arrangements, hotels etc.
• Hotel and travel booking for legal advisors
• Answering the telephone and dealing with routine enquiries

• Previous PA experience in a similar role looking after Partners ideally within a litigation team, including familiarity with Court process and documents.
• 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, excel (onenote, power point and digital dictation helpful but not a necessity).
• Taking care and attention 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.

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.