Experienced Family Law Legal Secretary

Our client is seeking to recruit an experienced Legal Secretary with at least 5 years’ experience within Family Law based at their Blackheath office.

This is a full-time position – Monday to Friday.

Main role and responsibilities

To assist a senior Solicitor in a busy Family Team with the day to day running of his caseload.
To assist with general file management of electronic files. Including opening files on the case management system.
To use the electronic case management system (LEAP), Outlook, Word and Excel.
To undertake conflict checks and obtain file identity documentation.
To accurately and swiftly type dictation.
To send and receive letters / emails on behalf of the fee earner.
To draft straightforward letters, emails, attendance notes and other documents.
To manage the fee earner’s diary including making and recording appointments.
To record all key dates on the electronic file, Outlook and the Central Key Dates diary.
To monitor upcoming key dates on behalf of the fee earner.
To ensure that any billable work carried out by the Secretary / Assistant is properly accounted for and time recorded, if relevant.
To meet with clients face-to-face when required, to provide and receive information and documentation.
To make and receive telephone calls with clients on behalf of the fee earner, dealing with clients in a helpful, polite and efficient manner. To update clients where possible, or to take clear messages for the fee earner if they are unable to deal with the enquiry.
To liaise with third parties such as the opponent’s solicitors, Counsel’s clerk or experts.
To create electronic bundles.
To use the HMRC portal to submit documents such as divorce petitions, application forms and draft consent orders with supporting papers.
To regularly review ledgers to ensure that funds are held on account of costs.
To arrange payment of disbursements.
To review the fee earner’s matter list to identify files for billing on a weekly basis.
To close and archive files.
To take card payments and post payment requests promptly and accurately.
To prepare client invoices.
To answer incoming calls to the firm as part of a rota as and when required.
To undertake any other reasonable tasks as requested by the fee earner or other colleagues with the main fee earner’s agreement.

Essential Experience / Qualifications

At least 5 years’ experience working within a Family Law team.
Experience in using a legal case management system.
Experience in using Outlook, Excel & Word.
Excellent client care skills.
Excellent organisational skills.
Typing speed of at least 60 WPM with 95% accuracy.
Appropriate secretarial qualification.
The ability to proactively assist the fee earner to manage his caseload.

Desirable Experience / Qualifications

Experience using LEAP (case management system).
Experience of using the HMRC portal.
CILEX Level 2 Certificate or Diploma.

This is a permanent position.

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