Legal Support

Avocet Legal; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established legal firm in Dorchester is seeking a Legal Support professional to join their Private Client team. This role provides comprehensive support to lawyers, involving document preparation, file management, and client service. Ideal candidates are experienced legal secretaries or motivated graduates with strong administrative skills, looking to grow within a values-driven workplace that emphasizes personal development and teamwork.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Life Assurance

Health cash plan

Qualifications

• Experience in legal secretarial roles preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support to Private Client Lawyers.
• Manage digital dictation and prepare accurate documents.
• Coordinate diary management and appointment scheduling.

Skills

Strong secretarial/administration experience

Excellent telephone manner

Proficiency in MS Office

Ability to manage conflicting priorities

Strong organisational skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Dani at Avocet Legal Careers is excited to present an excellent opportunity for a Legal Support professional to join a thriving Private Client team in Dorchester

This is a perfect role for experienced legal secretaries or graduates with strong administrative skills looking to advance their career with a values-driven practice that prioritises professional development and client excellence.

About the Client

Our client is a well-established legal practice experiencing significant growth due to high demand for their services. They are a values-driven firm committed to delivering exceptional client service while maintaining the highest professional standards. The practice prides itself on fostering a collaborative team environment where colleagues are supported to develop their skills and progress their careers. They believe in investing in their people and creating a workplace culture that encourages both individual initiative and teamwork, all while maintaining strong client relationships built on trust and expertise.

About the Role

This full-time position offers an exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to experienced Private Client Lawyers managing large and varied caseloads. Based in their Dorchester office, you'll play a crucial role in helping lawyers proactively progress their matters while ensuring exceptional client service standards are maintained. The role offers excellent exposure to all aspects of Private Client work, from estate planning and probate to trust administration and lasting powers of attorney, making it ideal for someone looking to specialise in this rewarding area of law.

Legal Support Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to Private Client Lawyers
• Manage digital dictation and produce accurate typed documents with speed and precision
• Assist with document preparation and management for Private Client matters
• Manage professional call handling and maintain excellent client service standards
• Coordinate diary management and appointment scheduling for fee earners
• Assist with Will drafting, Estate Administration, and Trust Administration processes
• Support with Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) applications and administration
• Maintain accurate case management systems and embrace paper-lite working methods
• Assist with financial monitoring and Work in Progress billing processes

Legal Support Requirements

• Strong secretarial/administration experience, preferably from a legal background
• Recent graduates with relevant experience or appropriate transferable skills considered
• Previous experience of drafting documents, compliance admin, and document management
• Experience with digital dictation systems essential
• Excellent telephone manner and outstanding client service skills
• Computer and keyboard skills ( 60WPM minimum), including proficiency in MS Office
• Excellent written and spoken English with strong communication abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and meet strict deadlines

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary: GBP22,222.20 (entry level) or from GBP23k - GBP27 for candidates with relevant legal secretarial experience
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus half day off for birthday
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance
• Health cash plan
• Plus much more!

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an experienced legal secretary or administrator with a genuine interest in Private Client work, or a motivated graduate with strong transferable skills and a keen desire to build a career in legal support. You should demonstrate excellent organisational abilities, strong attention to detail, and the resilience to handle varied workloads in a fast-paced environment. We're looking for someone who is articulate, numerate, and possesses the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism. Ideally, you'll have working knowledge of Will drafting, Estate Administration, Trust Administration, and LPAs, or be eager to develop these specialist skills.

Contact Dani at Avocet Legal Careers today to discuss this exciting opportunity.