Receptionist

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a leading international law firm with offices across the world. It has a substantial European practice with particular emphasis on international arbitration and litigation, cross-border acquisitions, capital markets transactions, private equity funds, financings and restructurings. The London office has more than 130 lawyers, including 27 partners and 22 international counsel. Over two thirds of our lawyers are UK-qualified. Our London lawyers work closely with their colleagues in New York, Paris and Frankfurt, as well as with lawyers in our other offices. The London office has an overall count of over 260. 

A receptionist is quite often the first person that a customer, candidate or client interacts with when making contact with our organization and are therefore the face and voice of your organization. For this reason they play an extremely important role in the representation of the company therefore efficiency and professionalism are key to making that impact on that first interaction. The business duties of a receptionist include answering visitors' enquiries about a company and its products or services, directing visitors to their destinations, answering incoming calls on multi-line telephones or, setting appointments, filing, keyboarding/data entry and performing a variety of other office tasks, such as transport and hotel arrangements for visiting lawyers. In some cases you will also be expected to serve coffee or tea to guests, and to keep the client area tidy.

Junior Receptionist 

• Answer all telephone calls in a professional manner
• Reserve meeting rooms on computerised meeting room booking system; respond to requests and provide alternatives, if required.
• Meet and greet clients and visitors in reception, ensure clients and visitors receive VIP treatment
• Assist visiting clients and lawyers with hotel bookings and airport transfers
• Liaise with other receptionists, the catering team and the AV team to complete bookings
• Liaise with the secretaries, partners, associates and staff to manage bookings
• Assist in the co-ordination and preparation of meeting rooms, including setup and use of video conferencing equipment
• Book executive cars and taxis where necessary for clients and lawyers
• Book catering facilities - organise lunches and liaise with catering team
• Have an eye for detail and ensure rooms are perfect at all times
• Allocation of security cards to staff and guests where necessary using good judgment at all times
• Work alongside the building reception team when organizing large events and seminars
• General administrative duties

• Educated to at least GCSE level, ideally achieving 5 A* - C grades and including Mathematics and English Language
• Minimum 12 months experience in legal or professional services environment
• Basic IT skills required (Outlook, Work, Excel etc.) and an ability to communicate effectively in writing
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbally
• Responsive; able to prioritise and work to deadlines, with a strong attention to detail
• Flexible and willing to work overtime when workload demands and to provide cover at short notice during team absences and during evenings and at weekends
• Team player, with a ‘can do’, positive and reliable attitude
• A proactive, efficient customer focused approach, with excellent service ethic
• An interest and willingness in taking part in development and training
• Fire Warden/First Aid experience desirable

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious practice or any other perceived differences.