Legal Support Assistant

Trethowans; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Trethowans in Dorset is recruiting a Legal Support Assistant to join the Family Team in Poole/Bournemouth. The role provides comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to Family lawyers, handling case preparation, documents, billing and file management.

You will liaise with clients, courts and third parties, manage diaries and deadlines, prepare bundles and assist with hearings, while maintaining accurate records in case-management systems. Training is provided for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a legal support/secretary role.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proactive, team-focused attitude.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and format legal documents, correspondence and court forms.
• Manage diaries, appointments, meetings and deadlines.
• Open, maintain and close client files.
• Support billing, invoices and financial administration.
• Liaise with clients by phone, email and in person.
• Prepare bundles for hearings and conferences.
• Manage court portal submissions and case progression.
• Assist with compliance and AML procedures.
• Support family team with case prep and research.
• Maintain records and case management systems.

Skills

Legal support experience

Organised

Attention to detail

Time management

Client communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management software

Job description

Legal Support Assistant - Family Team

Location: Poole / Bournemouth

Full Time | Permanent

At Trethowans, our Family team is widely recognised for providing exceptional client care and expert legal advice. We are looking for an organised, proactive and detail-focused Legal Support Assistant to join our busy and highly regarded Dorset Family Team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal secretary, legal assistant or administrator looking to develop their career within a supportive and collaborative environment.

The Role

As a Legal Support Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting our Family lawyers, ensuring clients receive a professional and efficient service at all times. You will provide comprehensive secretarial and administrative support whilst helping to progress a wide range of family law matters.

Working closely with fee earners, clients, courts, barristers and third-party professionals, you will be involved in a variety of tasks that contribute directly to the successful management of cases.

Key Responsibilities

Your duties will include:

• Preparing and formatting legal documents, correspondence and court forms.
• Managing diaries, appointments, meetings and key deadlines.
• Opening, maintaining and closing client files.
• Supporting fee earners with billing, invoices and financial administration.
• Liaising with clients by telephone, email and in person.
• Preparing bundles and supporting documentation for hearings and conferences.
• Managing court portal submissions and monitoring case progression.
• Assisting with compliance and regulatory requirements, including anti-money laundering procedures.
• Handling incoming and outgoing post, filing and document management.
• Supporting the Family Team with case preparation, legal research and administrative tasks.
• Maintaining accurate records, key date calendars and case management systems.

Family Team Responsibilities

This role offers a greater level of involvement in case progression than a traditional legal secretarial position. You will have the opportunity to:

• Prepare and assist with financial disclosure documentation, including Form E.
• Liaise directly with clients to obtain information and supporting evidence.
• Assist with Replies to Questionnaires and other court-directed documentation.
• Obtain counsel availability and fee quotations from chambers.
• Liaise with courts, barristers, experts and other third parties.
• Prepare briefs to counsel and hearing bundles.
• Support fixed-fee divorce matters from instruction through to conclusion.
• Assist with costs schedules, risk reviews and matter budgeting.
• Manage court portal activity and monitor key deadlines.Support fee earners during periods of leave through inbox management and holiday cover.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience in a legal support, legal secretary or legal assistant role.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The confidence to communicate directly with clients and third parties.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
• Strong IT skills and experience using Microsoft Office.
• A proactive approach and willingness to take ownership of tasks.
• A positive, team-focused attitude.

Experience within Family Law would be advantageous but is not essential. Full training will be provided for the right candidate.

Why Join Us?

At Trethowans, you'll be joining a supportive and collaborative team where your contribution is valued. We offer a professional but friendly working environment, opportunities for development and the chance to build a rewarding career within one of the South's leading law firms.

If you are highly organised, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and take pride in delivering exceptional support, we would love to hear from you