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.

Tax is a cost which, like anything else, needs to be managed. Failure to take it into account at an early stage can mean the difference between success and failure. Our aim is to provide advice that is clear, commercial and concise, in order to help clients, achieve a successful outcome. Our lawyers are skilled at looking for commercial solutions, whether dealing with general tax planning, tax efficient employee and remuneration packages, investing and exit tax structuring, or negotiating with HMRC. We are members of the international alliance of law firms, World Services Group, with which we work closely to provide solutions across tax boundaries.

Providing a full PA secretarial service supporting the Wealth Protection and Tax and Trust team. When required, covering any secretarial absences within the rest of the national WP team.  The national team are used to working cross-office, so the ideal PA will be flexible and adaptable often working on files purely electronically.  This role requires proactive thinking to support the needs of the fee earners within the teams.  The role includes but is not limited to the following: -

• Typing of correspondence and documents
• Assisting with the production of bills and sending these out to our clients
• Typing reports, file notes and attendance notes
• Preparing enclosures ready for signing and sending out with the post
• Opening and closing client files
• The scanning and filing of incoming and outgoing post and correspondence
• Chasing bills as per the fee earner’s instruction
• Preparing and submitting expense claim forms
• Cheque requisitions and other indents
• Keeping records of closed files
• Interaction with clients and third parties involved in the matter mainly over the telephone
• In house forms, laser forms, HMRC forms
• Diary management
• Organising meetings, travel arrangements etc
• Travel booking for fee earners
• Answering the telephone and dealing with routine enquiries
• Attending meetings with clients to sign documents
• Using and updating the case management system in accordance with our internal protocols

• 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 – word, outlook, digital dictation, PowerPoint and excel
• Taking care and attention with 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 as well as working on one’s own initiative
• Work as part of a team ensuring telephones/lunch cover
• 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.