Legal Assistant

Shoosmiths LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a proactive and detail-oriented individual for an entry-level role in their Court of Protection Team. This position offers a unique opportunity to support clients and legal advisors while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic legal environment. You will be responsible for managing various administrative tasks, ensuring effective communication, and contributing to the overall success of the team. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this firm fosters a supportive workplace where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive professionally. If you are enthusiastic and eager to learn, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Flexible Benefits Package

Supportive Working Environment

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Excellent communication and client service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Provide administration and legal support to the Court of Protection Team.
• Assist with case progression and financial affairs management.
• Manage correspondence and client communications effectively.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Client Orientation

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Team Collaboration

Digital Dictation

Education

Experience in Legal Sector

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

At Shoosmiths, we have a dedicated Court of Protection Team and can offer a full, professionally managed Deputyship service. Our Court of Protection (COP) solicitors are acknowledged as among the UK’s leading practitioners in this highly specialised and sensitive area of law.

The role

The successful candidate will focus on providing an exceptional experience for all potential new and existing clients. You will be responsible for providing administration and legal support to the team and assisting with the day-to-day administration of all aspects of Court of Protection work.

Whilst this is an entry-level role, you will play an integral part within the team. You will have deadlines to manage and competing priorities, so you will be required to work quickly, accurately, and efficiently and remain calm under pressure.

You will be expected to think ahead to meet the needs of your fee earners and clients. It is an integral part of this role that you comply with policies and procedures.

This role requires proactive thinking to support the needs of the Legal Advisors. Your workload will be varied and includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Assisting with case progression services including helping to make and progress applications to the Court of Protection.
2. Assist in the management of individuals’ property and financial affairs, including liaising with professionals such as litigation team members, case managers, therapists, and financial advisors.
3. Assist with the preparation of and reconciling accounts and annual deputyship reports.
4. Overseeing payments to clients and third-party suppliers.
5. General file administration (opening, setup, and closing).
6. Managing paper and electronic filing systems.
7. Be available to proactively advise as well as respond to clients and assist others involved in case preparation by telephone and in person.
8. To manage correspondence quickly, courteously, and efficiently.
9. To develop rapport with clients and experts thereby assisting in delivering excellent client service.
10. Sorting/scanning incoming and outgoing post.
11. Collating enclosures for letters going out to clients.
12. Opening, closing, and archiving client files.
13. Ensuring documents and records are stored appropriately, including ensuring filing and e-filing is up to date and accessible.
14. Receiving and dealing with items from safe storage.
15. At times, you may be the first point of contact for clients and have regular communication with them (taking messages, arranging meetings, etc.), so should demonstrate professionalism, diplomacy, and sensitivity in all your communications.
16. Dealing with payments on behalf of clients.
17. Assist with managing banking platforms and reconciling bank statements.
18. Assist with the preparation and filing of bills of costs.
19. Expenses claims.
20. Keeping records of clients’ financial assets.

Skills and qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role ideally within a Court of Protection or Private Client Team preferred, but open to considering individuals outside of the Legal sector who are a strong match for the desired attributes and skills.
• Strong/advanced working understanding and experience of Microsoft Excel would be advantageous.
• The successful candidate will have an excellent telephone manner, strong client orientation, and professional approach.
• Self-confidence and ability to demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to grasp information quickly and easily.
• Enthusiastic with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Good working knowledge of applications such as Word, Outlook, digital dictation.
• Excellent and accurate keyboard skills required.
• Flexible, adaptable to change, and able to remain calm under pressure while finding solutions.
• Excellent presentation skills reflected in their work.
• Able to work collaboratively within a team and independently.
• Attention to detail and careful in all correspondence and documentation.
• Methodical, organized, and able to effectively schedule tasks within available working time.
• Ability to deliver quality service to internal and external clients.
• Self-confidence and initiative.
• Quick learner with a positive attitude.
• Friendly, calm, and helpful when dealing with queries.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.

Equal opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognizes and nurtures talent, and fosters a strong sense of community among colleagues.

This means that everyone who applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.