Dispute Resolution Legal Assistant

This is an administrative role that involves assisting the Dispute Resolution and Property Dispute fee earners in all areas of office services.

Duties will vary in importance and priority, depending on circumstances and the needs of the business at any particular time, but will include the following key responsibilities:

Administration & Delivery of Work

• Following administration systems and procedures as required by the Firm/Lexcel
• Using case management system
• Any other reasonable tasks for the role (where applicable)
• Ability to present information simply and accurately, both orally and in writing
• Opening new files, drafting client care and file closing letters
• Assisting with mail as required
• Scanning and collating department post
• Preparing bundles of documents for court and barristers
• Organising team meetings

Communication

• Excellent telephone manner with clear and pleasant verbal communication.
• Be able to communicate confidently with all parties including client, court, experts and the other side by correspondence and telephone.
• Be discreet, empathic and sensitive in dealing with clients
• Setting up meetings in person, telephone or video link with guidance
• Taking detailed and accurate contemporaneous notes of meetings, conferences and hearings.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with staff at all levels as you will be part of a busy team responsible for the smooth running of the office

• Ability to present information simply and accurately, both orally and in writing
• Highly motivated
• Willingness to take on new challenges
• Have a practical approach to problem solving
• Able to work on own initiative as well as work in a team

Taking New Client Enquiries

• Receiving incoming calls/making outgoing calls and dealing with all new enquiries within the Dispute Resolution and Property Disputes teams
• Through careful listening and questioning, gain an insight into the client’s requirements and assist as far as possible.
• Emailing new enquiries as appropriate
• Providing basic information on legal procedures, costs and timescales to clients to resolve their legal problems in line with legal best practices and principles.
• Ability to handle a high level of incoming calls, interacting with diverse cliental in a sensitive and professional manner at all times.
• Ability to discuss and understand complex situations with clients in a sensitive and professional manner at all times.
• Be able to discern, decide and differentiate between clients in a supportive and non-judgmental way.
• Communicating with client and fee earners to obtain sufficient and relevant documentation to assist on enquiry assessment
• You will need to complete an accurate written attendance note of the call and ensure it is logged on the client’s electronic file using the appropriate legal assistance based on information gained. Producing and managing relevant reports for the new enquiries
• Liaising with fee earners as to status of enquiries, and assisting on management of enquiry closures

Hours of Work

Core office hours will be 9.30am to 5.30pm, 5 days per week. Taking account of the nature of the role, a degree of flexibility will be required so as properly to fulfil the responsibilities and duties associated with the position.

Please note that you will be expected to work in the office .

Operating from modern Central London premises, Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors are a highly regarded firm. We offer good prospects, training and IT facilities.

Requirements

• You will need to have good administrative and literacy skills, be methodical, work in a team, be able to work on your own initiative and have a flexible attitude.
• Working in an organised manner, paying attention to detail and good time management are important.
• Good computer skills are essential
• File management
• Have a flexible approach with a client focus

Benefits

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, work–life balance and professional development, including:

• Generous annual leave (22–27 days depending on role), plus Christmas shutdown and additional birthday leave
• Extra paid leave for volunteering, moving house and study

• Long service recognition leave at 10, 15 and 20 years

• Pension scheme (3% employer contribution, 5% employee, with salary sacrifice option)
• Life assurance (2x salary) and Group Income Protection (up to state pension age)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (subject to qualifying service)
• Wellbeing support, including Mental Health Champions, First Aiders and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan (post-probation)
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Discounted legal services and access to an extensive Employee Benefits Portal (gym membership, health plans, private medical insurance, dental, cinema and retail discounts)
• Eye care contributions
• Complimentary office fruit deliveries twice weekly
• On-site social space with pool table and subsidised bar