The firm
DMH Stallard is an award winning South East law, Legal 100 firm with offices in London, Brighton, Gatwick, Guilford, Horsham and Hassocks. DMH Stallard has grown rapidly since it was established in 1970, and has a headcount of approx 380. Our firm provides a comprehensive range of commercial, dispute resolution and litigation, employment, cyber security and cyber-crime, corporate, intellectual property, real estate and technology, media and telecoms advice to both businesses and individuals. Our clients, our people and our professional networks are the keys to our success.
The department
Job Purpose:
To operate as an effective member of the Family and Wills Trusts and Estate Disputes teams sitting in the Dispute Resolution Group based predominantly in either the Brighton, Guildford or Horsham office but may have to travel to other offices on occasion.
Provide legal & administrative support to fee-earners within the Sussex Family Team and the Surrey and Sussex Wills Trusts and Estate Disputes Team.
To achieve the targets as defined by the Group Head/Head of Department, including contribution and hours
To work with and assist members of the Family and the Wills Trusts and Estate Dispute Teams in the day-to-day running of cases
To assist the admin team with taking detail and instructions from potential new clients and working with more senior fee earners to arrange appointments. Responsibilities and duties:
To participate and contribute to the Family Team, the Wills Trust and Estate Disputes Team and the Dispute Resolution group to ensure an effective working environment, supporting Associates and Partners on more complex matters as appropriate
Attend relevant technical training to ensure that skills and knowledge remain up-to-date
To attend and contribute to group meetings
Continuously develop their own technical expertise
Maintain awareness of the legal market specifically relating to family work, wills trusts and estate disputes and litigation.
Taking calls from new clients and arranging for them to meet with a more senior fee earner for initial consultations.
Work as part of the Dispute Resolution (Family/Wills Trusts and Estate Disputes) Group dealing with, but not limited to divorce; matrimonial arbitration/mediation; pre-nuptial agreements; custody agreements; wills & trusts disputes etc.
Drafting documents, reports & correspondence as dictated by Associates & Partners
Attend meetings as requested by Associates & Partners with subsequent drafting of minutes
Attend court as requested by Associates & Partners and associated support work as required
Maintaining accurate data on the case management software
To monitor own performance in relation to file closures, file openings, time recording and to take appropriate action to ensure targets are met
To be responsible for the delivery of the service to the client, ensuring that the highest standards of client care are maintained so that clients use DMHS again and recommend the firm to others.
To assist in the monthly generation of bills;
Administrative support to the Surrey and Sussex teams in general to include some audio typing, filing and secretarial duties.
To assist with marketing and business development initiatives such as writing for e-newsletters website, social media or attending seminarsOther information
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:
Some previous experience of litigation and/or Family/Wills Trusts and Estate disputes work would be an advantage (or a demonstrable ability to do so)
Some knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules and the Family Procedure Rules
Some knowledge of general family and estate disputes related legislation and relevant case law
Able to effectively manage their time to achieve client and internal deadlines
An understanding of the importance of client care and ability to communicate effectively with clients, in writing, over the telephone and in meetings
Able to work within a team and provide support to Associates and Partners as appropriate
Confident Excel skills sufficient to enable the reviewing of relevant matters
Competent IT skills including Outlook, Word, Digital Dictation
Ability to communicate well orally and in writing, including dealing directly with clients when required
Strong standard of written English, grammar, punctuation and spelling with the ability to produce high quality written work with minimal corrections.
Ability to draft documentation and minutes, with attention to detail
Understanding of the strategy and vision of the firm
Convey technical legal information when necessary in an effective and accessible way
Strong team working ethic; Effective administrative skills; organisation skills; Flexibility.
Ability to work well under pressure and be proactive. Benefits:
25 days holiday (of which 3.5 are taken during the Christmas period), plus Birthday holiday, plus Bank Holidays.
Life Assurance
Private Healthcare
Employee Assistance Programme
Sodexo Discounts
Pension Scheme
Interest free season ticket loans
Cycle to work scheme
Discounts on Legal work