Overview
Family Law Legal Secretary
- Position Type: Full-time
- Department: Family Law
- Location: Gateshead
CRITICAL REQUIREMENTS (Must-Have Experience)
To be considered for this role, candidates must possess direct experience in the following areas:
- Legal Aid Billing & Administration: Proven expertise in undertaking all aspects of family billing and legal aid applications. This includes securing legal aid, making amendments to applications, prior authority requests, VHCC applications, and billing uploads to the LAA.
- Public Law: Prior experience assisting with public law children proceedings.
- Family Law Background: Solid administrative support experience specifically within a family law legal environment.
Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and proactive Family Law Secretary to join our legal team. In this role, you will provide exceptional administrative and secretarial support to our attorneys and clients. The ideal candidate will be a strong team player with excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities & DutiesLegal Aid & Billing Administration
- Prepare and manage billing documentation for submissions to the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).
- Handle the end-to-end legal aid application process, including amendments, VHCC applications, and prior authority requests.
Case Management & Document Preparation
- Assist in preparing and drafting legal documents related to family law and public law children cases.
- Undertake efficient digital dictation/audio typing as required.
- Maintain highly accurate, up-to-date, and organized case files and databases for efficient case management.
- Ensure strict compliance with court procedures, directions, and deadlines.
Client Care & Communication
- Manage client communications, including answering phone calls, responding to emails, and scheduling appointments.
- Collaborate with clients empathetically to gather necessary information and documentation for their cases.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Legal Expertise: Proven office experience with a heavy focus on administrative tasks within a family law setting.
- Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills, including advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and legal case management systems.
- Typing Speed & Accuracy: Fast and accurate typing skills for document preparation, dictation, and data entry.
- Communication: Excellent phone etiquette with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients, counsel, and colleagues.
- Organization: Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills to manage competing priorities under pressure.
- General Clerical: Experience with essential office duties including filing, photocopying, and scanning documents.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,000.00-£25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Gateshead NE8 1LU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Family law: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
