Legal PA (Planning)

Job Description

The firm A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 50 law firm to achieve "Platinum Standard" Investors in People, our values and culture are notjust words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work. The team Led by industry recognised planning partners, our dedicated and experienced team works closely with clients to help achieve their planning objectives. Whether it is general planning advice, the drafting of Infrastructure Agreements or strategic planningadvice to facilitate delivery of complex mixed use schemes, our planning team offers a wealth of professional knowledge and advice which is always focused, clear and commercial. The role An exciting new opportunity to join the Birmingham Office to provide a full PA secretarial service to support Partners and Legal Advisors within the planning group. In addition, undertaking wider duties where required to cover any secretarial absences withinplanning, this role requires a can do approach and proactive thinking to support the needs of Legal Advisors and the office. Main responsibilities This role includes but is not limited to the following:

• Typing of correspondence, documents and bills
• Typing reports, file notes and attendance notes
• Preparing enclosures ready for signing and sending out with the post
• Opening and closing client files
• Filing of incoming and outgoing post and correspondence
• Compiling and sending bills
• Chasing bills as per Legal Advisor instruction
• Expenses
• Cheque requisitions
• Keeping records of closed files
• Interaction with clients mainly over the telephone
• In house forms, laser forms (credit notes)
• Diary management
• Organising meetings, travel arrangements etc.
• Travel booking for Legal Advisors
• Providing Help Assistant support to users

Skills and qualifications Skills and experience

• Previous experience of working within a Real Estate department within a Law Firm
• Excellent and accurate keyboard skills required, as you will be required to obtain typing speeds to a minimum of 60 wpm
• Good working knowledge of various applications - word, outlook, digital dictation (PowerPoint and excel)
• Taking care and attention into all correspondence and documentation
• Flexible with the ability to adapt to change, new practices and cope under pressure
• Excellent presentation skills reflected in their work
• A methodical and organised approach with keen attention paid to every detail
• Good organisational skills to ensure that the tasks are effectively scheduled within working time available, and that urgent work is completed and returned within the specified timescales
• Friendly, helpful with a positive can do approach
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Sense of humour
• Good listening skills
• Able to integrate within a team as well as working on ones own initiative
• Work as part of a team ensuring telephones/lunch cover
• Ability to deliver a quality service to both internal and external clients

Equal opportunities Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognisesand nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.