Description:
DescriptionAbout the opportunity
We are seeking an experienced, proactive and motivated Legal Assistant to support a team of lawyers in our Melbourne office. This is an exciting opportunity to work for a growing team, in a fast-paced and high energy role that is full of variety.
This role needs an individual with a mix of legal secretarial and PA capability as you will provide administrative support on a wide range of legal matters, along with sophisticated personal assistant support at senior level. We are looking for someone who loves taking initiative to identify the needs of the team and action tasks with limited need for direction.
You will be a key member of the team, heavily relied on for your exceptional organisational skills, with a keen eye for process and system improvement to make your role and team function at their most effective. Being a confident communicator will be a necessary skill as you will engage with clients and senior internal stakeholders on a regular basis.
You will also be part of a friendly and collaborative team of Legal PA's, with many opportunities to get involved in firm wide initiatives across a range of areas including health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, and social.
Please note that this is a full-time role requiring 4 days in the office with 1-day WFH.
Key areas of focus
- Support a team of lawyers with their day-to-day tasks by proactively monitoring emails, managing diaries, booking travel, processing expenses, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
- Drafting and preparing correspondence, presentation slides, and other materials, and general document production by way of scanning, copying and printing.
- Matter administration and practice management ensuring all emails and any hard copy documentation are accurately filed in a timely manner.
- Supporting the client and matter engagement process by onboarding new clients and matters, including ensuring compliance through conflict searches and anti-money laundering checks, and preparing engagement letters
- Deliver excellent service to the firm's clients by building and maintaining effective relationships, developing knowledge of team clients and their business, organising client dinners and events and working closely with the Business Development team
- Assist with client billing through the firm's Aderant billing system, maintain client invoicing requirements, assist with client reporting, process third party invoices, trust money, and banking authorisations.
- Collaborate on client facing activities including maintaining client contact databases, preparing and updating CVs, RFPs and credentials materials and following-up as required.
- Provide mentorship and coaching to junior and new administrative team members, guiding them through systems, processes, and policies to ensure their success and integration into the team.
- Assist the wider administrative team to ensure that all administrative duties are met including assisting with overflow work and leave coverage.
Candidate profile
- At least two to four years' experience in a legal support role.
- Experience working across disputes and transactional teams, particularly construction (desirable)
- Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite (particularly Outlook, Teams and Word) with the ability to learn new technologies and apply new skills.
- Knowledge of practice management software (ideally iTimeKeep, Aderant and Emburse) and processes such as billing, matter opening and expense management.
- Excellent communication (both verbal and written) skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to engage with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Be proactive and comfortable taking initiative when faced with new challenges.
- Be an effective and reliable team player and have strong interpersonal skills including confidence, professionalism, positivity and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Demonstrate a high level of discretion and confidentiality at all times.
- Exhibits behaviours consistent with the firm’s core values of ABC – ‘Approachable, Bold and Connected’.
- Bring energy and passion to the role!
Why join Pinsent Masons?
We have a global reach and a local feel. With 28 offices and 1500 lawyers operating across Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, you'll be exposed to domestic, international and multi-jurisdictional high-profile work, yet be in an office where everyone knows your name.
We do things a bit differently. Legal services are at the core of our business, however we have diversified into other areas providing complimentary services to clients through offerings like Brook Graham and Vario flexible services.
We like to be flexible. Our firm is professional but also relaxed, you can dress for your day and in your own style. We also promote practices that support wellbeing, mental wellness and work/life balance so that everyone can thrive at work and at home.
We're lots of fun and very inclusive . Proud of our leading reputation for diversity and inclusion, we have created an open environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. You'll also have plenty of opportunities to participate in, and even run, social activities, diversity and inclusion networks, and charitable initiatives.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Pinsent Masons we value diversity and inclusion. We are committed to creating a better workplace where all our talent can succeed and feel like they belong. We want to attract, retain and develop people at all levels and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates whatever your ethnicity, religion, age, physical or mental disability/long term condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristics protected by local law in the jurisdictions in which we operate.