Legal Secretary

DAC Beachcroft; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international legal business is seeking a dedicated individual for a secretarial role, providing essential support to fee earners. The position involves managing client relationships, handling billing queries, and ensuring high-quality document preparation. The ideal candidate will thrive in a hybrid work environment and possess strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Experience managing client-facing tasks and priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and produce high-standard documents.

Responsibilities

• Provide secretarial support to fee earners across the practice.
• Manage billing and account queries, working with fee earners.
• Handle confidential information and prepare documents from digital dictation.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Education

Experience in a legal or professional services environment

Tools

Microsoft Office

Document Management Systems

Job description

Description

The main purpose of this role is to provide an excellent standard of secretarial support to fee earners across the specified practice. You may also be required to provide support across other practice groups as needed.
The hours for this vacancy are 9:00-17:00. DAC operate Flexforward, which supports a Life that Works across the whole firm. The secretarial team in HCPL has a hybrid work pattern, splitting the week between office and home-based work. We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven individual who wants to embrace all that the role has to offer and seize the opportunity to work with like-minded people.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management

• Keep up to date with client-specific protocols and processes, implement, provide guidance and training to others where necessary, and monitor ongoing compliance.
• Respond to client queries promptly and professionally.

Financial

• Manage billing and account queries, working with fee earners and support teams to resolve issues.
• Prepare expense claims and complete all accounts forms.
• Maintain spreadsheets and a good understanding of client billing processes and rate tables.

Supporting Lawyers

• Handle confidential information in line with the firm’s data security protocols.
• Prepare correspondence and documents from digital dictation.
• Prepare electronic bundles for Court and amend documents to client specifications.
• Create client reports, scan correspondence, and manage electronic files.
• Manage lawyer inboxes during absences and assist with document preparation, proofreading, and comparisons.
• Use OneDrive and PDF Docs for secure exchange and delivery of client information.
• Assist with opening new matters, drafting engagement letters, and filing correspondence.
• Photocopy, scan, and archive documents as needed.
• Manage fee earner diaries, liaise with courts and clients, and organize appointments and travel arrangements.
• Help organize client events and maintain a tidy office environment.
• Handle telephone inquiries professionally and send out letters/emails on behalf of fee earners.
• Prioritize tasks effectively and provide first-class client service, building relationships through phone, email, and in person.
• Assist with business development activities such as client contact reports and delegate packs.
• Maintain and develop internal and external relationships and keep knowledge up to date.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Experience in a legal or professional services environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and produce high-standard documents and client communications.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and document/case management systems.
• Excellent communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
• Proven experience managing client-facing tasks and priorities.
• Investigative and problem-solving skills with a practical approach.
• Conscientious, responsible, and accountable for work quality.
• Team player with a positive attitude and adaptability to change.
• Discreet, confidential, and able to redirect information appropriately.
• Well-organized with excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all communications and deliverables.

About DAC Beachcroft

We are a leading international legal business with over 3,000 colleagues and diverse capabilities. We are market leaders in insurance, health, and real estate, with a full-service offering including financial services and tech. We serve a wide range of clients, from household names to government and NHS bodies. We act for top UK and global insurers and are leaders in health sector advice and real estate. Our global offices include Bogota, Buenos Aires, Dublin, Lima, Hong Kong, Madrid, Mexico City, Miami, Milan, New York, Paris, Rome, Santiago, and Singapore, plus a broad network worldwide.
At DAC Beachcroft, we are committed to and value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We make decisions based on merit and welcome individuals from varied backgrounds, perspectives, and identities.