Legal Secretary/Legal Assistant - Commercial/Residential Property
Based: Ferndown
Salary - Depending on Experience
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work for a growing solicitor firm based in Ferndown. You will provide high level secretarial and administrative support to fee earners in a busy conveyancing department.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday - flexible hours - Full time
For example: 8-4, 9-5, 9.30 - 5.30 (earliest start 8am latest finish 5.30pm)
Office Based
You will have experience in either residential or commercial property or both
Key responsibilities:

- Fast and accurate audio/dictation processing and copy typing
- Preparing and drafting general correspondence in letter and email format
- Being the first point of contact for all clients in person and on the telephone
- Liaising with clients, other lawyers, estate agents, mortgage brokers etc. on a day to day basis to deal with straightforward non-technical queries and to take clear messages as appropriate where the fee earner’s involvement may be required and recording in writing on files details of all contact
- Diary management (including arranging meetings etc.)
- Email management (taking action where appropriate)
- Printing billing guides, monitoring payment bills by way of diary reminders
- Time recording on the firm’s electronic accounts system if required
- File opening / closing and archiving in accordance with the firm’s accounting and client care procedures
- General office duties such as filing, photocopying and scanning
- Keeping the firm’s electronic document storage system up to date in all matters
- Storage of Deeds in accordance with the firm’s procedures
- Preparation of contracts and bundles of supporting documentation on sale matters
- Requisitioning standard searches on purchase matters
- Assisting the fee earner in preparing reports to clients
- Preparing standard correspondence and supporting documentation at exchange of
- Contracts.
- Dealing with all pre-completion matters including preparation of financial statements/apportionment statements
- Administering completions and preparing applications for registration for submission to the Land Registry
- Providing prospective clients with quotes and converting them into work
- Undertake any other duties that may be necessary and/or appropriate to the role
- Assisting with other departments as the need arises

Person Specification:
Experience required:
Previous experience of legal secretarial work particularly in a conveyancing department essential
Skills required:
- Efficient and accurate word processing
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to work independently
- The ability to work under pressure and to cope with a varied and often fast-moving office environment
- To present a smart and professional appearance and manner
- Excellent IT skills including Word, Excel and Outlook
Personal qualities required:
- Excellent telephone manner and interpersonal skills
- A helpful, friendly and patient approach
- A good sense of humour
- Dedicated and committed.
- Excellent time-keeping
Benefits:
Health Benefit Scheme; Free onsite parking