Legal Assistant Reading, England
Job description
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 50 law firm to achieve “Platinum 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 makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.
At Shoosmiths we have a large dedicated Court of Protection Team and can offer a full, professionally managed Deputyship service. Our Court of Protection (COP) solicitors are acknowledged as being among the UKs leading practitioners in this highly specialised and sensitive area of law.
The successful candidate will focus on providing an exceptional experience for all potential new and existing clients. You will be responsible for providing administration and legal support to the team and assisting with the day to day administration of all aspect of Court of Protection work.
This is a busy role, with deadlines to manage and competing priorities, so you will be required to work quickly, accurately, and efficiently and remain calm under pressure.
You will be expected to think ahead to meet the needs of your fee earners and clients. It is an integral part of this role that you comply with policies and procedures.
This role requires proactive thinking to support the needs of the Legal Advisors.
Your workload will be varied and includes but is not limited to the following: -
- Assisting with case progression service including helping to make and progress to completion applications to the Court of Protection.
- Assist in the management of individual’s property and financial affairs, including liaising with a number of professionals such as members of the litigation team, case managers, therapists and financial advisors.
- Assist with the preparation of and reconciling accounts and annual deputyship reports.
- Overseeing payments to clients and third-party suppliers.
- General file administration (opening, set up and closing).
- Managing paper and electronic filing systems.
- Be available to proactively advise as well as respond to clients and assist others involved in case preparation by telephone and in person.
- To manage correspondence quickly, courteously, and efficiently.
- To develop rapport with clients and experts thereby assisting in delivering excellent client service.
- Sorting/scanning incoming and outgoing post
- Collating enclosures for letters going out to clients
- Opening, closing and archiving client files
- Ensuring documents and records are stored appropriately, including ensuring filing and e-filing is up to date and accessible
- Receiving and dealing with items from safe storage
- At times you may be the first point of contact for clients and have regular communication with them (taking messages, arranging meetings etc.), so should demonstrate professionalism, diplomacy and sensitivity in all your communications
- Dealing with payments on behalf of clients
- Assist with managing banking platforms and reconciling bank statements
- Assist with the preparation and filing of bills of costs.
- Expenses claims
- Cheque & payment requisitions
- Keeping records of client’s financial assets
- Preparation of forms
- Diary management.
- Organising meetings, travel arrangements etc.
- Previous experience in a similar role ideally within a Court of Protection or Private Client Team preferred, but open to considering individuals outside of the Legal sector who are a strong match for the desired attributes and skills.
- The successful candidate will have an excellent telephone manner, strong client orientation and professional approach.
- Self-confidence and ability to demonstrate initiative.
- Ability to grasp information quickly and easily.
- Enthusiastic with a positive, can do attitude.
- Good working knowledge of various applications – word, excel, outlook, digital dictation.
- Excellent and accurate keyboard skills required.
- Flexible with the ability to adapt to change, new practices and remain calm under pressure and find solutions.
- Excellent presentation skills reflected in their work.
- Able to integrate within a team as well as working on one’s own initiative.
- Attention to detail and taking great care in respect of all correspondence and documentation
- 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.
- Ability to deliver a quality service to both internal and external clients.
- Excellent client care skills.
- Self-confidence and ability to demonstrate initiative.
- Ability to grasp things quickly and easily.
- Enthusiastic with a positive, can-do attitude.
- Friendly, calm and helpful approach to dealing with queries
- Excellent communication and listening skills
Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.
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.
