We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic Team Assistant to support our Practice Support teams and deliver high quality, comprehensive, efficient, and effective matter and client management and administrative support services to the practice. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is eager to learn and develop in an administrative role.
You will work alongside our Practice Assistants and Junior Practice Assistants in providing fee earners with effective, collaborative and high-quality assistance, enabling them to focus on providing the best legal services to clients. Support may be provided to more than one department and departments may change from time to time to reflect Bates Wells’ structure and requirements. This role reports to the relevant Practice Support Manager.
The role is to work Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm. With 4 days a week in the office for the first 3 months. As with all industries that are client-focussed, some flexibility is required.
The Role
- Assist fee earners and Practice Assistants/Junior Practice Assistants, taking ownership to ensure that all tasks are completed to a high quality and maximising efficiency, using the tools and resources available.
- Apply your knowledge and proficiency in MS Office Suite (and other software where necessary) to manage all documents accurately.
- Draft simple emails, making minor document amendments, and assisting with good housekeeping of documentation, including incoming mail and post-completion administration as required.
- Maintain effective filing systems as per firm guidelines, including file closure, archiving and storage.
- Assist with the billing process, including amending narratives, and processing bills.
- Record time entries for fee earners.
- Manage finance transactions and requests for clients and matters via our practice management system, liaising with Finance when required.
- Ensure timely opening and closing of files/matters, consulting with our compliance department as necessary.
- Update client contact details on our practice management system.
- Attend firm-wide/team/other training and update calls/meetings.
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and firm policies.
- Cultivate strong working relationships with the Practice Support team, fee earners, and Business Teams.
- Seek help or clarification to confirm understanding when uncertain about tasks/responsibilities.
- Provide team support to cover absences and during times of increased workflow.
- Assist BDM in organising events and hospitality, including researching venues, sending invitations, collating RSVPs, preparing badges, and client registration for departmental events.
- Assist PSM with arranging team socials/events.
- Book meeting rooms, restaurants, taxis, and arranging refreshments for meetings.
Key experience
- Strong organisational skills, resilience and a proactive working style.
- The ability to build and nurture relationships.
- A collaborative approach, valuing teamwork, adaptability and flexibility.
- Excellent attention to detail, spelling and use of grammar.
- IT literacy with a good knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Values that align with ours, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference.
- You share our values and want to make a difference.
- You want to feel that you are a part of the Bates Wells experience and ‘belong’.
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Impact-Driven Purpose
We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.
Committed to the Climate
Through our Climate Programme, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.
Championing Inclusion
We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
Flexible and Hybrid Working
Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.
Progressive Benefits
We offer green pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.
At Bates Wells, we’re not the average law firm. We believe that actions speak louder than words. We strive to do the right thing as a business and to help our clients make a positive impact on their people and society.
Recruitment at Bates Wells – The use of AI
At Bates Wells, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our recruitment processes. We understand the importance of ensuring that our methods align with best practices and respect the privacy and rights of all candidates.
We would like to clarify that we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, sift, score, reject, or approve any recruitment decisions, at any stage of our recruitment process. Our recruitment decisions are made by hiring managers and the HR team, ensuring a personal and thoughtful approach to each candidate.
We do utilise AI technology in a limited capacity to enhance our recruitment process. Specifically, we use Metaview to record and transcribe interviews. This tool helps us maintain accurate records of interviews, to support objective scoring of answers based on evidence and ensures that we can review and reflect on the conversations held during the recruitment process. Importantly, Metaview is not used to evaluate candidates or make any decisions regarding their suitability for a role.
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and fairness in our recruitment processes and will continue to review and update our practices to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.
