Legal Secretary

** Brook Street (UK) Ltd are recruiting a Legal Secretary/ PA for our leading Public Sector Client,** **Education Authority Northern Ireland, located in their Commercial Property Dept. Dundonald.** **Job Purpose** - To act as Personal Assistant to a Solicitor within EA Solicitors - To assist with commercial property matters and the investigation and defense of informal and formal complaints / legal proceedings against the Education Authority ("EA") and/or controlled schools. - To undertake such other duties relevant to the Education Authority Solicitors ("EA Solicitors") as may be reasonably required from time to time. **MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** **1. To act as Personal Assistant to the Solicitor** - To provide P.A. support to the Solicitor, always ensure strictest confidentiality and diplomacy, make and take calls on behalf of the Solicitor, and maintain a personal and office diary, ensuring compatibility. - Check and prioritise mail. - Co-ordinate and administer work of Solicitor in their absence, with regard to conveyancing/ property matters, employment law cases, litigation, tribunals (including SENDIST), judicial reviews and on-going legal matters. - Ensure the timely provision of advice and information to internal and external clients, regarding meeting strict deadlines. - To draft and prepare routine correspondence and reports, collate information and prepare and update statistical information. - Arrange meetings, consultations, Tribunal hearings, Court appearances and talks/conferences. Arrange alternative cover in Solicitor's absence. **2. Commercial Property.** - To assist the EA Solicitors in the preparation of: Contracts for Sale, Conveyancing Documents, Completion of Pre-Contract Enquiries. - To assist the EA Solicitors in ensuring documentation is presented for Stamping and Registration within prescribed legal times. - To accurately Schedule and return/ receipt Title Documents to and from the EA Headquarters and to third party solicitors. **3. Investigation and Defence of Formal and Informal Complaints / Legal Proceedings against EA /Schools** - To assist the Solicitor or any other solicitor within EA Solicitors in the investigation and defence of formal and informal complaints/proceedings referred from EA Directorates /Schools. - To adhere to strict deadlines to ensure statutory time limits are met. - To assist in the process of appeals against Tribunal / Court decisions - To assist in the collation and indexing of discoverable documentation, Court / Tribunal bundles etc. - Assist with the drafting and response of Notices of Appearances, Notices for Additional Information, Notices for Discovery etc. - To maintain effective communication and co-operations with relevant persons including EA Officers, Boards of Governors, Counsel, Witnesses and outside Agencies to ensure quality service delivered. - To assist with preparation and collation of Counsel's papers and arrange for delivery of same. - To attend consultations and hearings (as required) in order to provide verbatim report on proceedings. - To administer payment of Counsel's fees. **4. Judicial Reviews** - To assist the Solicitor or any other EA Solicitor by liaising with Transfer Officers, Tribunal members and Counsel to arrange for compilation and forwarding of relevant information. - To arrange consultations and prepare necessary documentation. - Prepare Affidavits as drafted by Counsel and arrange for swearing of same by Tribunal member and external Solicitors. - Requisitioning of cheques in accordance with appropriate fees, lodge official documentation at Court and return all original documentation to EA Regions. **You should have**: A minimum of five GCSE's (Grades A*-C) including English and Maths or equivalent or higher examinations qualifications. AND Have either a minimum of two year's experience in a paid capacity providing administrative support which must include the following: - Using Microsoft Word (to process letters, memos, reports etc.); - Drafting correspondence - Diary Management; and - Maintaining Records. In addition to the above, you must also be able to demonstrate at an interview the under-noted knowledge, skills and personal qualities: - Knowledge of Legal work - Excellent oral and written communication skills. - Proven ability to successfully plan, prioritise and manage the work of yourself and others within required timescales - Proven ability to demonstrate initiative, work flexibly and resolve complex matters with mínimal direction and supervision. - Proven ability to develop and maintain good working relationships at a range of levels including senior management level. - Proven ability to exercise discretion in dealing with confidential or sensitive matters. In return, you will benefit from: - Full training and induction - Pension Scheme - Competitive rates of pay - Brook Street (UK) Ltd back-office support and mentoring The rate of pay is £12.94 per hour, the hours of work are 36hr