Personal Assistant

VanRath; Belfast; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm in Belfast is seeking an experienced Legal Personal Assistant to support Legal Advisors in their Dispute Resolution and Litigation team. The ideal candidate will manage diaries, organize meetings, and ensure compliance with documentation. Candidates should have prior experience as a Legal PA, strong organizational skills, and familiarity with Microsoft Office. This is a permanent, full-time position in a collaborative and high-performing environment, offering a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Legal PA supporting Partners and Legal Advisors.
• Exceptional organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, using initiative and sound judgement.

Responsibilities

• Proactive diary management and resolving scheduling conflicts.
• Opening new matters and preparing engagement documentation.
• Collating and managing financial data and reports.

Skills

Previous experience as a Legal PA supporting Partners and Legal Advisors

Northern Ireland litigation experience

Exceptional organisational skills

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel

Job description

Job Description

Legal Personal Assistant - Dispute Resolution & Litigation

Experience Level: Intermediate
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Location: Belfast

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Legal Personal Assistant to support Legal Advisors within a busy Dispute Resolution and Litigation team based in Belfast. This is a pivotal role requiring initiative, precision and a proactive mindset. You will deliver a full PA service, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the team, while also providing support across the wider UK practice when required.

This role is ideal for a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced legal environment, takes ownership of their workload, and consistently delivers a high standard of support.

About the Organisation

This is a leading UK law firm recognised for delivering outstanding client service, commercial insight and innovative legal solutions. With offices across the UK and Europe, the firm works with ambitious organisations across a wide range of sectors.

The firm is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and high-performing culture where people are encouraged to be themselves and succeed together. Employees benefit from a collaborative working environment, high-quality work and a comprehensive, flexible benefits package designed to support both professional and personal wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

PA & Administrative Support

• Proactive diary management, identifying and resolving scheduling conflicts
• Organising meetings, travel, accommodation and events
• Preparing, drafting and issuing correspondence for approval
• Completing digital dictation including emails, documents, attendance notes and reports
• Managing incoming post, scanning to the case management system and circulating appropriately

File & Compliance Management

• Opening new matters and preparing engagement documentation
• Completing file opening forms and liaising with central compliance teams on conflicts, KYC and AML checks
• Maintaining client files, archiving and off-site storage coordination

Financial & Billing Support

• Collating and managing financial data and reports
• Monitoring financial hygiene, including WIP and aged debt reporting
• Raising invoices, chasing payment and processing expense claims
• Ensuring timely payment of third-party invoices (e.g. counsel, experts, process servers)

Business Development & CRM

• Supporting business development activity and maintaining accurate records
• Updating the firm's CRM system with client contact information and BD activity

Team Support

• Providing cover for PA absences across the wider Dispute Resolution and Litigation team
• Supporting multiple Legal Advisors and managing competing priorities effectively

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience as a Legal PA supporting Partners and Legal Advisors
• Northern Ireland litigation experience
• Exceptional organisational skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, using initiative and sound judgement
• Strong upward management skills and the confidence to manage expectations
• Excellent keyboard and document production skills
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
• Experience using digital dictation
• Ability to remain calm, flexible and effective under pressure

Desirable

• PowerPoint experience
• Experience supporting business development activity
• Familiarity with CRM systems

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised, methodical and efficient
• Professional, approachable and service-driven
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Adaptable and comfortable working across multiple stakeholders
• Willing to embrace new technology, including AI-powered productivity tools
• A collaborative team player who thrives in a high-performing environment

For more information please reach out to Phil Doherty @ VANRATH