About the Role
We are currently recruiting for a full-time legal secretary, based in Leeds City Centre. The role involves supporting our clients renowned team of family solicitors who specialise in children, care and domestic violence matters i.e., Legal Aid Agency funded files.
The team have a large caseload and the nature of the work means that deadlines are often extremely tight. As the solicitors spend a significant amount of time at court, secretaries need to be able to provide excellent support and effectively liaise between the solicitor and client. Documents and letters need to be accurate and produced in a timely manner.
The successful applicant will have experience as a family secretary dealing with Legal Aid Agency funded clients with a good knowledge and understanding of the legal process and the forms and documents used.
KEY TASKS
Audio and some copy typing to fee earners’ specification.
Producing documents from the Case Management system.
Management of the files under the fee earner’s direction from opening files to preparing them for archiving.
Liaising with clients and other parties on behalf of fee earners and dealing with enquiries as appropriate.
Liaising with the Accounts department to produce cheques, pay disbursements etc.
Maintaining diaries and making appointments when required.
Filing, photocopying, collating of documents and other clerical duties.
Checking Legal Aid payments and distribution thereof.
Contributing to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
Contributing to maintaining and improving office procedures.
Requirements
SKILLS – ESSENTIAL
Good keyboard skills.
Literate and numerate.
Ability to work accurately in accordance with the requirements of the team.
Ability to deal with enquiries in a customer-friendly and effective manner.
Ability to work under pressure.
Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.
KNOWLEDGE
Microsoft Office programmes.
Use of a Case Management system
Confidentiality requirements.
EXPERIENCE
Experience as a legal secretary within family care/legal aid
OTHER
Flexible and ‘can do’ attitude.
Excellent written English to produce documents for the clients, court and other parties.
Professional and clear communication to resolve telephone enquiries.
Satisfactory absence record or sound justification for high absenteeism.
Able to promote the image of the firm.
Please note, this position is not suitable for law graduates or applicants who have completed the LPC and are looking for a training contract in the short or medium term.