Legal Administrative Officer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Legal Administrative Officer for our client, a prestigious Cape Town legal firm. The role focuses on managing complex admin tasks and ensuring smooth workflow of legal documents within a confidential, professional environment.

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years in a legal admin role, strong MS Office and legal software skills, and a solid grasp of legal terminology and court procedures.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a legal administrative role.
• Proficiency in legal software and MS Office.
• Solid understanding of legal terminology and court procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Discretion and confidentiality are paramount.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team.
• Paralegal studies or office administration qualification desirable.
• Familiarity with Cape Town's legal landscape is advantageous.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage case files, including organizing, indexing, and maintaining all relevant legal documents and correspondence.
• Schedule and coordinate client appointments, court appearances, and internal meetings.
• Prepare, draft, and proofread legal documents such as pleadings, affidavits, contracts, and agreements under supervision.
• Conduct legal research and gather relevant information for case preparation.
• Liaise with clients, opposing counsel, court staff, and other external parties with professionalism and discretion.
• Maintain the firm's databases, ensuring accuracy of contact information and case details.
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail, faxes, and courier services for the legal department.
• Handle billing and invoicing processes, including preparing statements and processing payments.
• Provide general administrative support, including managing the office supplies and equipment.
• Assist with the onboarding of new legal staff and interns, providing administrative guidance.

Skills

MS Office

Legal terminology

Time management

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Autonomy

Education

Paralegal studies or office administration

Tools

Document management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious legal firm based in the vibrant heart of Cape Town , is actively seeking an experienced and meticulous Legal Administrative Officer. This critical position supports the firm's legal professionals by managing complex administrative tasks and ensuring the efficient workflow of legal documentation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of legal procedures, exceptional organizational abilities, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality. This role offers a significant opportunity to work within a leading South African legal practice, contributing to high-profile cases and gaining invaluable experience in a challenging and rewarding professional setting located in the scenic Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage case files, including organizing, indexing, and maintaining all relevant legal documents and correspondence.
• Schedule and coordinate client appointments, court appearances, and internal meetings, ensuring all parties are informed and prepared.
• Prepare, draft, and proofread legal documents such as pleadings, affidavits, contracts, and agreements under the supervision of legal practitioners.
• Conduct legal research and gather relevant information for case preparation.
• Liaise with clients, opposing counsel, court staff, and other external parties with professionalism and discretion.
• Maintain the firm's databases, ensuring accuracy of contact information and case details.
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail, faxes, and courier services for the legal department.
• Handle billing and invoicing processes, including preparing statements and processing payments.
• Provide general administrative support, including managing the office supplies and equipment.
• Assist with the onboarding of new legal staff and interns, providing administrative guidance.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a legal administrative role, preferably within a law firm environment.
• Proficiency in legal software and document management systems, as well as the full Microsoft Office Suite.
• Solid understanding of legal terminology, court procedures, and legal document formatting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively.
• Discretion and a high level of confidentiality are paramount.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team of legal professionals.
• A relevant qualification in paralegal studies or office administration is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the legal landscape and court system in Cape Town is advantageous.
• Must be detail-oriented and possess strong problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package designed to attract top talent in the legal field.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions are part of the benefits.
• The firm is committed to professional development, offering access to continuous legal education, workshops, and advanced training opportunities.
• Employees will experience a supportive and collegial work environment that values collaboration and professional growth.
• In addition to generous annual leave, the firm offers unique opportunities to work on complex and challenging legal matters, fostering significant career progression within the legal sector.

The position is office-based in Cape Town .