Legal Assistant

Smart Law Solicitors; Kirklees; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal practice in Huddersfield is seeking a full-time Legal Assistant to provide administrative support, conduct legal research, and manage legal files. The ideal candidate will have experience as a Legal Assistant, strong organisational and communication skills, and a client-care mindset. The position offers competitive pay and requires in-person work.

Benefits

Free parking

On-site parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Legal Assistant or similar role.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent organisational skills for managing multiple tasks.
• Exceptional attention to detail in legal documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist solicitors in preparing legal documents.
• Conduct legal research and gather information.
• Organise and maintain legal files and documents.
• Schedule appointments and court hearings.
• Communicate with clients and other parties.
• Prepare correspondence and draft legal documents.
• Manage own caseload with a mixture of files.

Skills

Legal research

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Verbal communication

IT skills

Client care

Tools

Legal software

Job description

About us

Smart Law Solicitors are a forward‑thinking, multi‑law practice based in Huddersfield with a second office opening soon in Manchester. We aim to provide quality personal service with a modern approach to our clients.

Position Overview

We are seeking a full‑time Legal Assistant to join our Huddersfield office. The role involves providing administrative support to our solicitors and assisting them on case matters.

Responsibilities

• Assist solicitors in preparing legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, contracts and agreements


• Conduct legal research and gather relevant information for cases


• Organise and maintain legal files and documents in accordance with the firm’s office procedures


• Schedule appointments, meetings and court hearings


• Communicate with clients, witnesses and other parties involved in legal matters


• Prepare correspondence and draft legal documents


• Assist with case preparation, including organising exhibits and coordinating with all relevant parties


• Perform general administrative tasks such as answering phone calls and filing documents


• Undertake fee‑earning work in property, immigration, civil matters and wills & probate


• Ensure that all work is undertaken in accordance with office practice and procedures


• Manage own caseload with a mixture of files in the different areas as stated


• Use the firm’s case‑management software, ensuring all correspondence and documents are saved in line with practice and procedures


• Stay familiar with the areas of law being practised and keep up to date with each area


• Familiarise yourself with the SRA Code of Conduct and Solicitors Accounts Rules


• Take instructions from clients on new matters and open the file in accordance with office practice and procedures


• Work under pressure, prioritising tasks and completing those delegated by the supervising solicitor

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Legal Assistant or similar role


• Strong analytical and research skills to analyse legal issues and gather relevant information


• Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritise deadlines


• Proficient in legal software and databases for research and document management


• Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy in legal documents


• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with clients and colleagues


• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information


• Client‑care service‑oriented mindset to provide support to clients professionally


• Excellent client‑care skills


• Communication and IT skills and ability to work on online portals


• Professional, willing and proactive attitude towards work


• Enthusiastic, friendly and able to work independently as well as part of a team with minimum supervision


• Will undertake training as and when required to ensure matters are dealt with competently


• Ideal for those who have completed the Legal Practice Course and are seeking a Training Contract, or for those seeking to qualify as a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, or for those wishing to remain as a Legal Assistant with long‑term prospects at the firm

Benefits

• Free parking


• On‑site parking

Work details

Job Type: Full‑time
Pay: £8.60–£11.44 per hour
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Experience: Legal Secretary – 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person