Clinical Negligence Secretary / Legal Assistant

Legal Southwest Ltd; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Flexible working hours

Comprehensive training and development

Supportive team environment

Employee wellbeing focus

Job summary

Legal Southwest Ltd in Exeter is seeking an experienced Secretary/Legal Assistant to join the Clinical Negligence team. This permanent, full-time role (36.25 hours per week) offers hybrid and flexible working.

You will support lawyers with audio typing, document production, diary management and client communications in a fast-paced clinical negligence practice. The successful candidate will bring strong organisational and communication skills, with a calm, proactive approach to supporting the

Qualifications

• Minimum experience in secretarial, administrative or professional support roles.
• Experience in a law firm is advantageous but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive support to the Clinical Negligence team to remain organised and efficient.
• Complete audio and copy typing, proofreading and formatting dictated work.
• Produce letters and legal documents and respond to client enquiries.
• Manage diaries, appointments and arrange conferences with experts.
• Retrieve, store and organise documents and maintain records.
• Open, close and archive client files and provide broader administrative support.

Skills

Highly organised

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Calm under pressure

Job description

Location: Exeter
Hours: Full-time, 36.25 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Working arrangements: Hybrid and flexible working available

The Opportunity

Our client is a highly regarded regional law firm with an outstanding national reputation for its work in clinical negligence. Its specialist team is recognised within the top tier of both The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners and acts for individuals and families throughout the UK.

An opportunity has arisen for a reliable and enthusiastic Secretary / Legal Assistant to join the firm’s friendly, experienced and growing Clinical Negligence team in Exeter.

The team handles a broad range of medical negligence claims, with particular expertise in complex and high-value cases arising from birth injuries. This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside and learn from highly experienced specialist lawyers while providing essential administrative and secretarial support.

The work is varied, fast-paced and client-focused. As clients and their families may be dealing with difficult and sensitive circumstances, a calm, professional and compassionate approach will be particularly important.

Your responsibilities

You will provide proactive support to members of the Clinical Negligence team, helping them to remain organised and work efficiently. Your duties will include:

• Completing audio and copy typing
• Proofreading, formatting and updating dictated work
• Producing letters and other legal documents
• Responding to telephone and email enquiries from clients
• Managing diaries and arranging appointments
• Booking conferences with medical experts and counsel
• Retrieving, storing and organising documents
• Assisting with requests for bank transfers
• Preparing account receipts, payments and bills
• Maintaining accurate financial and administrative records
• Opening, closing and archiving client files
• Providing wider administrative support to the fee-earning team

About you

Previous experience in a secretarial, administrative or professional support position is required. Experience within a law firm would be advantageous but is not essential, as full consideration will be given to candidates who can demonstrate the right transferable skills and a genuine desire to develop within a leading legal team.

You will be:

• Highly organised and comfortable helping others to manage their workloads
• Accurate, with excellent attention to detail
• Reliable, proactive and willing to use your initiativeAdaptable and equipped with a positive, can-do attitude
• Able to communicate effectively and sensitively with clients and their families
• Calm and professional when working in a busy environment
• Capable of balancing competing priorities and meeting deadlines
• A collaborative team member who enjoys working towards shared goals
• Keen to learn and develop your skills

What’s on offer?

Our client recognises that its people are its most important asset and is committed to creating a supportive workplace in which colleagues can develop and reach their full potential.

You will benefit from:

• A permanent, full-time position within a nationally recognised specialist team
• The opportunity to learn from experienced clinical negligence lawyers
• Comprehensive training and ongoing development
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• A supportive, friendly and collaborative working environment
• A strong focus on employee wellbeing
• A comprehensive range of colleague benefits

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced secretary or administrator who would like to develop a career within a respected and highly specialised legal team.

Legal Southwest will never, without exception, send out your CV without your prior knowledge or consent so please be assured that we treat every application with the utmost confidentiality.