Senior Legal Secretary

Merthyr Law; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Merthyr Law, a Brisbane boutique firm, seeks an experienced Senior Legal Secretary to support our legal team with high‑level administrative tasks and client service. You will manage document preparation, progress matters, deadlines and file discipline, while coordinating with solicitors, clients and courts.

The role requires autonomy, strong organisation, and a proactive approach to improving processes. This is a senior, trusted position offering varied work and professional development within a

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a senior legal assistant or legal secretary role, with the confidence to work independently.
• Experience supporting senior lawyers or multiple fee earners and managing varied workflows.
• Strong organisational skills and a demonstrated ability to prioritise, meet strict deadlines and follow matters through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong proofreading ability and attention to detail.
• Advanced Microsoft Word and Outlook skills, with experience using legal practice, document‑management or billing systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the discretion to handle sensitive client matters professionally.
• Experience in estate planning and litigation, or the ability and willingness to develop across these areas.
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach and the initiative to improve existing processes.

Responsibilities

• Receive client instructions and prepare, format and proofread legal documents, statements, court documents, briefs and correspondence.
• Action instructions and assist solicitors with the day‑to‑day progression of litigation and other legal matters.
• Take ownership of files, monitor progress, anticipate next steps and follow matters through to completion.
• Manage diaries, meetings, critical dates, deadlines and follow‑up actions.
• Maintain accurate file and matter records, including document control, matter opening and closing, and archiving.
• Liaise professionally with clients, barristers, courts, other law firms, advisers and relevant third parties.
• Assist with court filings, searches, lodgements, billing, cost updates and matter data as required.
• Recognise sensitive or complex enquiries, potential delays and risks, and escalate them promptly to the relevant solicitor.
• Manage competing priorities, support colleagues and identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and client service.

Job description

Merthyr Law is seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Legal Secretary to provide high-level support to our legal team, keep matters progressing and deliver responsive, thoughtful client service. This hands‑on role suits someone who takes pride in being organised, dependable and one step ahead. You will be trusted to manage competing priorities, anticipate solicitors’ needs and take ownership of files from instruction through to completion.

About the role

As a trusted point of support for solicitors and clients, you will help ensure matters run smoothly, deadlines are met and clients receive an exceptional experience.

Key responsibilities

Receive client instructions and prepare, format and proofread legal documents, statements, court documents, briefs and correspondence.

Action instructions and assist solicitors with the day‑to‑day progression of litigation and other legal matters.

Take ownership of files, monitor progress, anticipate next steps and follow matters through to completion.

Manage diaries, meetings, critical dates, deadlines and follow‑up actions.

Maintain accurate file and matter records, including document control, matter opening and closing, and archiving.

Liaise professionally with clients, barristers, courts, other law firms, advisers and relevant third parties.

Assist with court filings, searches, lodgements, billing, cost updates and matter data as required.

Recognise sensitive or complex enquiries, potential delays and risks, and **escalate** them promptly to the relevant solicitor.

Manage competing priorities, support colleagues and identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and client service.

About you

Substantial experience in a senior legal assistant or legal secretary role, with the confidence to work independently.

Experience supporting senior lawyers or multiple fee earners and managing varied workflows.

Strong organisational skills and a demonstrated ability to prioritise, meet strict deadlines and follow matters through.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong proofreading ability and attention to detail.

Advanced Microsoft Word and Outlook skills, with experience using legal practice, document‑management or billing systems.

Strong interpersonal skills and the discretion to handle sensitive client matters professionally.

Experience in estate planning and litigation, or the ability and willingness to develop across these areas.

A practical, solutions‑focused approach and the initiative to improve existing processes.

About us

Merthyr Law is a progressive Brisbane boutique firm providing practical, considered legal advice to business owners and clients. Our work includes estate and succession planning, superannuation, commercial and business structures, taxation, family law and statutory wills. Our people are central to our success. We value initiative, professionalism, teamwork and a genuine commitment to thoughtful client care.

A senior, trusted position with varied work and experienced practitioners.

A supportive, collaborative team that shares knowledge and values your contribution.

Scope to take ownership, improve processes and develop professionally.

Career development and advancement opportunities.

An additional week of annual leave on completion of 2 years' service.

Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience.