Administration 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.

A specialist team operating within the wider Real Estate Division whose function is to ensure the accurate and efficient production and processing of Stamp Duty Land Tax and Land Transaction Tax Returns. 

To provide administrative support to our exceptionally busy team, fostering excellent working relationships with colleagues (and clients where appropriate), providing a first-class level of service to everyone, showing professionalism and displaying a friendly, helpful disposition.

This role includes, but is not limited to the following responsibilities:

• Maintenance of team’s deadlines database
• Arranging for payments of tax to be made to HMRC
• Ensuring that time sensitive applications are sent to HMRC within deadlines
• Opening files
• Scanning, naming and electronically filing documentation and paper filing
• Assisting with closing files (and ensuring appropriate internal requirements are met, including filing of deeds/documents)
• Dealing with expenses claims
• Assisting with email filing
• Assisting with billing and client reports (when required)
• Occasional typing
• Updating CPD/training records
• Dealing with telephone calls, ensuring comprehensive messages are taken at all times
• Booking travel
• Assisting the team generally as and when required

• At least 12 months previous experience within a professional services environment, ideally within legal services
• Ability to work flexibly covering holiday/absence generally where necessary
• Positive attitude / ‘can do approach’ with strength of character and determination to succeed
• Ability to maintain high standards and pay close attention to detail, working in a neat, tidy and methodical way
• Ability to identify problems and act on them promptly and efficiently / general pro-active approach to work
• Excellent keyboard skills with comprehensive knowledge of Outlook and Word
• Willing to work well both alone and with the team within a supportive environment
• Have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, getting things right first time
• Excellent communication skills
• Self-confidence and ability to demonstrate initiative
• Ability to grasp things quickly and easily
• The ability to support colleagues particularly when they are under pressure
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times

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.