Private Client Legal secretary

Private Client Legal Secretary / Assistant

Location:
Chester

Hours:
Full-time, Monday to Friday

Salary:
Competitive (dependent on experience)

Reports to:
Senior Fee Earners, Private Client Team

About the Role

A reputable and long-established law firm in
Chester
is seeking a dedicated
Private Client Legal Secretary / Assistant
to join its busy and supportive Private Client team.

The successful candidate will provide high-quality secretarial and administrative support to fee earners, assisting with a broad range of
Wills, Probate, Trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)
matters.

This position would suit a highly organised and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a professional environment, enjoys client interaction, and has the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.

The firm will also
consider applications from experienced Private Client Assistants
who can demonstrate strong client care, case administration, and document management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to fee earners and partners
  within the Private Client team to ensure smooth case progression and exceptional service delivery.
• Draft and format legal documents and correspondence
  , including wills, LPAs, probate forms, and letters, with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Transcribe audio dictation (70+ wpm preferred)
  , ensuring all documents are proofread and formatted to firm standards.
• Assist with court documents and bundle preparation
  , ensuring all materials are organised, paginated, and compliant with procedural requirements.
• Liaise professionally with clients and third parties
  , providing updates, managing expectations, and progressing matters in a timely and courteous manner.
• Open new client files
  , maintain accurate case data, and ensure all client information is properly recorded within the firm's case management system.
• Coordinate billing processes
  , including preparing and sending invoices, handling payments, and liaising with the accounts team regarding file balances.
• Support daily administrative operations
  , including filing (paper and digital), scanning, copying, and maintaining document storage in line with firm policy.
• Manage diaries and appointments
  , schedule client meetings, book conference calls and travel, and prepare meeting rooms when required.
• Take initiative to progress routine matters
  , using knowledge of the work type to request information or follow up on pending actions without direct supervision.
• Assist with workflow management
  , ensuring cases are progressed efficiently and service delivery standards are consistently met.
• Contribute to process improvements
  by helping streamline administrative procedures and communication systems within the team.
• Undertake training and development
  to maintain and expand knowledge in Private Client law, case management systems, and office technology.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong administrative and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a professional, client-focused approach.
• Fast and accurate
  audio typing skills
  (70+ wpm desirable).
• Proficient in
  Microsoft Office and case management systems
  (experience with P4W or similar preferred).
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to use initiative to support fee earners and clients effectively.
• Team-oriented and committed to maintaining the firm's service and compliance standards.

Experience & Education

• Prior experience as a
  Legal Secretary or Legal Assistant
  , ideally within a
  Private Client Department
  (Wills, Probate, Trusts, LPAs).
• Familiarity with legal documentation, case management, and workflow processes.
• Legal secretarial training and/or qualifications desirable but not essential.
• Strong IT literacy, including document formatting and digital file management.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to work within a
  highly respected Chester-based law firm
  known for professionalism and supportive team culture.
• Exposure to a
  wide variety of Private Client work
  with opportunities to learn and progress.
• Ongoing
  training and professional development
  to enhance technical and administrative skills.
• Competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience.
• A collaborative, friendly team environment with long-term stability.