Secretary Litigation Assistant We are currently recruiting a Secretary Litigation Assistant for a reputable solicitors based in the Newport area. The main purpose of the role is to provide direct support to Senior Fee Earners in the Department in a range of matters relating to commercial litigation and manage all client work allocated in accordance with the Firm’s standards. Role Responsibilities To deal with enquiries, calls and correspondence from clients/other professionals, which do not need input from a senior member of the dept. To act in a semi-fee earning capacity and to accurately record and submit regular time recording in line with the firm’s/departments policy. To undertake basic fee earning duties under supervision, such as taking detailed client instructions in person or over the phone and managing conduct of files where assigned by a senior fee earner. Carry out research to assist senior fee earners in progression of cases. To ensure that all client work relating to files is processed correctly and expeditiously and that the client is kept regularly informed of progress and costs. Updating the case management system efficiently and effectively in accordance with departmental processes and procedures. When required, arrange and attend conferences with Counsel, instruct experts and review export reports. To follow file review procedures, ensuring that these are dealt with promptly. Assist the department in developing work processes for cases when required. To administer the opening, closing, storage and retrieval of client files in accordance with the firm’s procedures. Manage diaries/calendars for senior fee earners and where relevant own diary management. To ensure that the support staff allocated are progressing your work in a timely manner. To prepare bundles of documents for counsel and experts and trial bundles when required. To attend to 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. To provide support to the firm’s support staff and fee earners as required. Greeting and dealing with “walk in” clients, to the office to take initial instructions or brief updates on their matter. Preparing draft bills. To maintain flexibility to attend conferences with clients which, on occasions may be outside of ‘normal working hours.’ Management and development of Shared Administrative Resource To ensure the confidentiality of all the firm’s and client’s documentation and information. Role Requirements Demonstrable ability to handle difficult/ upset clients and respond accordingly in sensitive situations Ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy when recording information, carrying out a tasks Flexibility to work outside of normal office hours that may be required from time to time. Person Requirements Law Degree (working towards one) or recognised equivalent High Proficiency in all Microsoft Office Packages including word, outlook e-mail, outlook diary functions. LPC graduate or recognised equivalent (desirable). Experience of working in a legal practice in a similar role (desirable) Office working, based in Newport Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm