Legal Secretary

**LEGAL SECRETARIES - PRIVATE CLIENT & COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TEAMS**

**Who are we?**

**Machins Solicitors is a leading regional multi-services law firm offering legal advice across both commercial and private client sectors, with our client base ranging from individuals, sole traders, SMEs, national, international businesses and multinational corporations. Our dedicated legal professionals strive to achieve the very best for their clients ensuring that commitment and trust are core to who we are and what we do. To be successful in this they need the right team in place.**

We want Machins to be a great place to work so we take the time to listen to feedback and understand what we can do to support our workforce from both a personal and professional perspective. We understand the importance of well-being, home and family so we take the time to actively encourage a healthy work-life balance recognising that all our staff need to enjoy their life at work as well as outside the office

We have a great team and the winning combination of our friendly people and inclusive culture is what makes us great to work for. We’re down to earth, likeable and caring. We are incredibly proud of our diverse workforce of over 100 staff working across our two offices in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Our staff reflects all backgrounds, talents and routes into the legal profession. We encourage everyone to develop to their full potential and progress within their legal careers.

Due to expansion and pending maternity leave in both departments, we are pleased to be offering opportunities for experienced full-time legal secretaries to join our busy teams in the Luton office, working in either our Private Client or Commercial Property departments. Whilst some positions may initially be focused on maternity cover, due to our continued growth we are not seeking applicants on a fixed term contract basis, but are looking for individuals who would like a career with us. Experience in either of the specific practice areas would be an advantage, but more importantly is the understanding of how we do business with our local community and a ‘can do’ attitude. The roles are based in our Luton office, but successful applicants may be required to support at client meetings at other locations.

Key Responsibilities

Experience in the following would be advantageous:

- The production of documents and correspondence using audio/copy typing;
- Costing files on a monthly basis and the preparation of draft bills to include ensuring disbursements are claimed and paid;
- Attending to clients and others, both on the telephone and in person, where possible dealing with initial enquiries and/or taking detailed messages to enable the appropriate person to deal with the matter on their return;
- Management of Fee Earners’ diaries, including scheduling of appointments, arranging meetings, organising travel as appropriate. Ensure all meetings have appropriate facilities arranged eg meeting room booked, refreshments available;
- Setting up new files accurately and speedily on instruction;
- Maintaining Fee Earners’ client details on the firm’s database (ALB) and updating as and when required;
- Dealing promptly and accurately all filing and storage/retrieval requirements in respect of client files;
- Ensure all files are Lexcel compliant and management of money laundering checks and keeping the associated records;
- Assisting in the smooth running of the administration and secretarial support within the department, supporting other Fee Earners and secretarial support where appropriate;
- Awareness of GDPR and the handling of sensitive information ensuring confidentiality and security of all practice and client data. Documentation and/or information;
- Undertaking any other ad hoc duties as requested by the professional staff in the department;
- Support as and when requested in firm-wide and departmental marketing events.

**Some of the benefits of working for Machins**
- Excellent office facilities in the heart of Luton and Berkhamsted.
- Competitive salary
- Staff introduction bonus
- 25 days holiday
- Auto enrolment pension scheme
- Enhanced sick pay
- Free eye tests
- Paid Flu vaccinations
- Discounted legal advice
- Opportunities to participate in company sponsored charitable events

We pride ourselves on employing people who are approachable, and if you have any questions, you won’t be short of people to ask.

**We are looking for someone with**:

- Previous experience as a legal secretary, preferably in either Private Client or Commercial Property practice areas, although other legal secretarial experience will be considered;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and clear written and oral communication;
- Proven audio typing experience;
- Excellent organisational skills;
- Ability to communicate both in writing and orally with a wide range of people;
- The ability to demonstrate a courteous, helpful and pleasant manner both in person and on