Legal Secretary – Private Client – Based in Berkhamsted
We are seeking a legal secretary to join our private client team in Berkhamsted.
Who are we?
Machins Solicitors is a leading regional multi-services law firm offering legal advice across both commercial and private client sectors, with our client base ranging from individuals, sole traders, SMEs, national, international businesses and multinational corporations. Our dedicated legal professionals strive to achieve the very best for their clients ensuring that commitment and trust are core to who we are and what we do. To be successful in this they need the right team in place.
We want Machins to be a great place to work so we take the time to listen to feedback and understand what we can do to support our workforce from both a personal and professional perspective. We understand the importance of well-being, home and family so we take the time to actively encourage a healthy work-life balance recognising that all our staff need to enjoy their life at work as well as outside the office
We have a great team and the winning combination of our friendly people and inclusive culture is what makes us great to work for. We’re down to earth, likeable and caring. We are incredibly proud of our diverse workforce of over 100 staff working across our two offices in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Our staff reflects all backgrounds, talents and routes into the legal profession. We encourage everyone to develop to their full potential and progress within their legal careers.
We are pleased to now be offering an opportunity for an experienced full-time legal secretary to join our busy team in the Berkhamsted office, working in our Private Client department. Consideration will be given to applicants interested in exploring job share arrangements for this position. Experience in the specific practice areas would be an advantage, but more importantly is the understanding of how we do business with our local community, a ‘can do’ attitude and a desire to build your future with #TeamMachins. The role is based in our Berkhamsted office, but successful applicants may be required to support at client meetings at other locations.
Key responsibilities
Experience in the following would be advantageous:
- The production of documents and correspondence using audio/copy typing
- Experience of standard template documents used in Private Client such as Probate applications, wills and LPAs;
- Costing files on a monthly basis and the preparation of draft bills to include ensuring disbursements are claimed and paid;
- Attending to clients and others, both on the telephone and in person, where possible dealing with initial enquiries and/or taking detailed messages to enable the appropriate person to deal with the matter on their return;
- Management of Fee Earners’ diaries, including scheduling of appointments, arranging meetings, organising travel as appropriate. Ensure all meetings have appropriate facilities arranged eg meeting room booked, refreshments available;
- Setting up new files accurately and speedily on instruction;
- Maintaining Fee Earners’ client details on the firm’s database (ALB) and updating as and when required
- Dealing promptly and accurately all filing and storage/retrieval requirements in respect of client files;
- Ensure all files are Lexcel compliant and management of money laundering checks and keeping the associated records;
- Assisting in the smooth running of the administration and secretarial support within the department, supporting other Fee Earners and secretarial support where appropriate
- Awareness of GDPR and the handling of sensitive information ensuring confidentiality and security of all practice and client data. Documentation and/or information;
- Undertaking any other ad hoc duties as requested by the professional staff in the department;
- Support as and when requested in firm-wide and departmental marketing events.
We are looking for someone with:
- Previous experience as a legal secretary, preferably in Private Client, although other legal secretarial experience will be considered.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and clear written and oral communication;
- Proven audio typing experience
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to communicate both in writing and orally with a wide range of people;
- The ability to demonstrate a courteous, helpful and pleasant manner both in person and on the phone;
- Efficiency, reliability and flexibility, able to organise the workload to meet challenging/changing deadlines ensuring prioritisation of different work matters across the team;
- Self-motivation with the ability to be a self-starter and work independently or within a team;
- Proven IT skills, including the use of case management systems, MS Word, Outlook and Excel;
- Personal pride in the quality of their work which should be to a high standard and delivered within the required timeframes
We are interested in you and what you can bring to Machins to enrich our expanding team.
Some of the benefits of working for Machins
- Office in Berkhamsted High Street
- Competitive salary
- Staff introduction bonus
- 25 days holiday
- Auto enrolment pension scheme
- Enhanced sick pay
- Free eye tests
- Paid Flu vaccinations
- Discounted legal advice
- Opportunities to participate in company sponsored charitable events
We pride ourselves on employing people who are approachable, and if you have any questions, you won’t be short of people to ask.
Details
• Berkhamsted based
• Full Time – 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday
• Department – Private Client
• Salary – Dependent on experience
• Consideration will be given to job share opportunities
How can I apply?
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Barbara Dawson on 07484012680.
Otherwise, please send your send your current C.V. together with a covering letter to [email protected]
