Executive Assistant

PQE Partners Pty; Sydney; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PQE Partners is seeking an experienced Legal Executive Assistant / Office Manager to support the Partners and broader legal team in our Sydney office. The role blends top-level EA duties with day-to-day office operations and has potential to grow into broader practice operations as the firm expands.

You will work closely with a small, collaborative team in a boutique commercial law environment, taking ownership of tasks and driving efficiency across the firm.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting Partners and lawyers in a commercial law firm.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proactive mindset with problem-solving ability.
• Interest in growing into broader operations as the firm expands.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level EA and administrative support to Partners and the legal team.
• Manage diaries, emails, meetings and travel arrangements.
• Handle client correspondence and day-to-day client administration.
• Process file and matter management including conflict checks and matter openings/closures.
• Assist with timesheets, billing and general practice administration.
• Liaise with clients, counsel and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and format legal documents, correspondence and briefs to counsel.
• Oversee day-to-day office operations and identify efficiency improvements.
• Support an evolving practice operations role as the firm grows.

Skills

Legal EA experience

Office management

Client liaison

Multitasking

Tools

Microsoft Office

Practice management software

Job description

PQE Partners are representing a growing boutique commercial law firm looking to appoint an experienced Legal EA / Office Manager to join its Sydney office on a permanent basis.

This is a broad role working closely with the Partners and wider legal team, combining traditional Legal EA support with responsibility for the day-to-day running of the office. As the firm continues to grow, there is scope for the position to develop into a broader operations role over time.

The firm is looking for someone who enjoys working in a smaller environment, takes ownership of what needs to be done and is genuinely invested in making the Partners and wider team more effective.

Your responsibilities will be varied and will include:

• Providing high-level EA and administrative support to the Partners and wider legal team
• Diary, email, meeting and travel management
• Managing client correspondence and assisting with day-to-day client administration
• File and matter management, including conflict checks, matter opening and closing
• Assisting with timesheets, billing and general practice administration
• Liaising with clients, counsel, experts and other external stakeholders
• Preparing and formatting legal documents, correspondence and briefs to counsel
• Managing the day-to-day administrative requirements of the office
• Identifying ways to improve processes and keep the firm running efficiently
• Taking on broader operational responsibilities as the firm continues to grow

You will be an experienced Legal EA, Legal Secretary, Practice Administrator or Office Manager with current or recent experience working within a law firm.

Ideally, you will have:

• Previous experience supporting Partners and lawyers within a commercial law firm
• Litigation experience or exposure to litigation processes and documentation would be advantageous
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Confidence working autonomously and using your judgement to resolve issues
• Strong written communication and attention to detail
• Experience with legal practice management systems and Microsoft Office
• A proactive approach and willingness to take responsibility across a broad range of tasks
• An interest in developing your role as the firm grows

This role will particularly suit someone who enjoys being an integral part of a smaller team and is comfortable with a broad remit. You will be someone who sees what needs to be done and gets on with it, whether that involves supporting the Partners, assisting the legal team or dealing with the practicalities of running the office.

The firm is an established boutique specialising in commercial litigation and related corporate, insolvency and property matters. It is currently in a period of growth, creating an opportunity for the successful candidate to join at a stage where they can have a genuine impact on how the practice operates.

You will work closely with the Partners in a small, collaborative office, with the opportunity to take on greater responsibility as the firm scales. For someone looking for a long-term move, there is genuine scope for the position to evolve beyond a traditional Legal EA role and into broader practice operations.