Legal Secretary

Simpson Judge; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A highly respected legal firm in the North West seeks an experienced Legal Secretary for their Commercial Dispute Resolution team. This role involves key support tasks, ensuring compliance, managing client files, and assisting with documentation and communication. A perfect fit for those with strong legal administration background and relevant IT skills.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Legal Secretary, PA, or Administrator in a law firm.
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and legal research tools.
• High level of professionalism and proactive client focus.

Responsibilities

• Support fee earners in managing client matters and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards and handle client interactions.
• Manage billing, finance support, and document preparation.

Skills

Legal case management systems

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Document production

Client communication

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Proofreading skills

Education

GCSEs in Maths and English (grade C or above)

Tools

SOS

LexisNexis

Westlaw

Practical Law

Job description

Location: Preston, UK

Job Type: Full-time Permanent

Salary: 26,000 Per Annum

A highly respected and award-winning law firm in the North West is currently seeking an experienced Legal Secretary to join their Commercial Dispute Resolution & Avoidance team. Known for their modern approach and supportive working culture, this firm offers a unique opportunity to be part of a legal practice that consistently ranks among the UK's top employers.

The role

This is a key support role within a busy litigation-focused department. You'll work closely with fee earners to ensure the smooth, compliant, and efficient management of client matters. The role goes beyond traditional secretarial duties and includes elements of administration, compliance, client care, and financial management.

Key Responsibilities

• File Management: Open, update, and close both physical and electronic client files (using SOS); draft client care letters; manage archiving and file reviews.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and internal processes as outlined in the Office Manual.
• Diary & Task Support: Track critical dates, alert fee earners to upcoming deadlines, and take action where appropriate.
• Billing & Finance Support: Liaise with the Finance team to manage bills, monitor aged debt, review ledgers, and prepare posting slips.
• Document Handling: Assist with the preparation of court bundles, draft legal and client documents (with supervision), and produce letters and communications.
• Audio & Digital Typing: Type dictations using Bighand or a similar system.
• Meeting & Client Interaction: Attend internal meetings (taking minutes if required), organise meetings and parking, handle inbound client calls and emails, and liaise with barristers and other third parties.
• Court Document Filing: Use online court systems to file documentation where appropriate.
• Team Collaboration: Support other legal teams, train junior members as needed, and engage with work experience participants.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience as a Legal Secretary, PA, or Administrator in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Confident using legal case management systems (ideally SOS).
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat (including PDF editing and bundle compilation), and legal research tools such as LexisNexis, Westlaw, or Practical Law.
• Experience in document production, including correspondence and court documentation.
• Familiarity with the Court's central filing system and electronic court submissions.
• High level of professionalism in handling client enquiries and inter-party correspondence.
• GCSEs in Maths and English (grade C or above).

Desirable Experience

• Experience in preparing financial reports or performing basic financial analysis.
• Familiarity with contentious legal documentation related to County Court and High Court proceedings.
• Experience in preparing court forms and procedural paperwork.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Highly organised and capable of managing multiple competing priorities.
• Attention to detail and strong proofreading skills.
• Proactive, client-focused, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced legal environment.