About us
TWM Solicitors is one of the largest legal practices in Surrey, and a leading law firm in the Southeast, with a strong history and heritage. Our specialist teams undertake the full spectrum of legal work, providing quality, practical and cost-effective solutions to individuals, businesses and other organisations. Central to our approach is a commitment to delivering the highest level of client service, working collaboratively across teams and delivering a progressive and modern approach to problem solving. The firm has been independently recognised for excellence by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
With an emphasis on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace and excellent work life enrichment, TWM genuinely cares about its people, their learning and development and career progression.
Purpose of the department
Our focus is on providing outstanding client service, through expert, clear advice and assistance with Private Client matters, delivered in a professional and engaged way that leads to high levels of client satisfaction. We work together at all levels of our team to create a supportive and pro-active environment to achieve this.
Role overview
The prime role of the PA/Senior Legal Secretary/Legal Secretary is to provide direct support to their fee earner(s) to enable them to operate at optimum efficiency. This will include but will not be limited to the main responsibilities given below. The successful applicant is expected to use a high degree of self-management and initiative.
How you will make an impact
Key tasks, duties and quality standards:
- Prepare correspondence and documents through audio-typing and word processing.
- Administer filing which will include daily filing and the opening, closing, storage and retrieval of client files in accordance with the detailed procedures contained in the office manual.
- Prepare mail and enclosures for dispatch.
- Arrange for all copying to be done, in person if an office assistant is not available to undertake the task.
- Make appointments, arrange meetings and to maintain an up to date diary for their principal.
- Prepare the conference room for meetings as necessary and for the tidying and clearance of the room at the end of the meeting.
- Provide refreshments when asked to do so.
- Provide support to other secretaries as required.
- Provide guidance to junior and temporary secretaries when required to do so.
- Attend clients both in person and on the telephone and to provide such support in a professional and friendly manner in keeping with the firm’s standards for client care.
- Undertake any specific training when required to do so and overall to have a responsibility towards self-development.
- Ensure the confidentiality of all the firm’s and clients’ documentation and information.
- Undertake on-line form filling requirements.
- Operate the firm’s Case Management System.
- Maintain or improve on the current standards of document presentation.
- Consider improvements to the efficiency of the department.
- Undertake other duties as from time to time required.
Other
- Act in accordance with TWM Solicitors’ core values (TWM Cares) at all times.
This role will be based at our Guildford office, with travel to other office locations as required. The Private Client department has a presence in all the firm’s office locations: Epsom, Guildford, Leatherhead, Reigate and Wimbledon.
To be successful in this role, we are seeking the following:
Qualifications
- Fast touch-typing speed.
Essential personal qualities, skills and abilities
- Substantial previous legal secretarial experience (including at least 2 years’ experience in Private Client for the PA role, at least 1 year’s experience in Private Client for the Senior Legal Secretary role, or law firm experience for the Legal Secretary role)
- Intermediate or advanced IT skills in relevant packages
- Keeps up with Fee Earner’s work production
- Demonstrates high levels of accuracy
- Communicates professionally with clients on telephone and personally.
- Well-developed interpersonal, social and communication skills including an appreciation of the vulnerability of some of our clients, both generally and also specifically at distressing times.
- Provides good customer care
- Approaches work pro-actively
- Progresses client matters with supervision
- Is prepared to take on other tasks
- Is able to work to occasional deadlines
- Is able to cope under occasional pressure
- Works as part of a team
- A preparedness to take on other tasks as required by fee earner(s)
- Ability to prioritise work-loads
- Demonstrates clear commitment to the Firm and a genuine interest in legal work
- Demonstrates a genuine interest in legal work
- Has a good attendance record year on year
- Demonstrates a positive attitude.
Desirable knowledge, skills and competencies
- Prior knowledge of Practice Evolve or other case management systems
- Knowledge of law / legal practice
Our benefits and rewards
Financial
As well as offering you a competitive salary, at TWM you will also benefit from:
- Annual salary review
- Annual bonus scheme
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Death in Service benefit of 4 x salary
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Paid professional memberships
- Long service rewards
Health and Wellbeing
At TWM we enjoy coming to work, not just to be with our colleagues, but also because we feel supported even through difficult times. You will receive:
- Private medical cover
- Company sick pay
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health and Wellbeing initiatives
- Regular socials
Work Life Enrichment
Yes, we enjoy coming to work and it’s even better if we can fit our work around the demands of everyday life, so we are keen to provide the following:
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, shared parental leave and adoption benefits
- Flexible/hybrid working
- Sabbaticals
- Study Leave
Learning and Development
TWM is only as good as its people and we want you to be the best you can be, so we will help you to develop and grow with the company by offering:
- Annual Performance Reviews
- Personal Career Progression Plans
- Trainee Solicitor Programme
- Extensive CPD programme
Contact us
If you are interested, please send your CV and covering letter to jobs@twmsolicitors.com.
TWM Solicitors (www.twmsolicitors.com) is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
No agencies please
