Job Description
SECRETARY, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
Bromsgrove office
We currently have a fantastic opportunity for a Legal Secretary to join our busy and growing Residential Property team in Bromsgrove.
About the firm
mfg is a successful, and growing, leading regional law firm with offices across Worcestershire, Shropshire and Birmingham. We’re award winning, dynamic and forward-thinking with a modern outlook yet traditional backbone, tracing our roots back to 1556. Our well-established, secure client-base come to rely on us through a range of ‘full service’ disciplines from private client to corporate/commercial. With over 200 partners and staff, we’re a good size to make a real difference. Click here to see more.
As part of our people engagement strategy, we welcome your ideas to improve ways of working.
The team
Spanning five offices, our Residential Property division totals 36 partners and staff of which the Bromsgrove team comprises four fee earners and five support staff so you’ll be joining a vastly experienced and supportive team. It’s a dynamic and fast-paced environment in which you’ll be very much a key member of the team.
The role and opportunity
Providing comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to various fee earners, you’ll help manage and progress client matters, undertake audio typing, open/close files and have regular contact with clients and key stakeholders.
About you
You will be a competent and reliable secretary – ideally from a legal or professional services background albeit not essential – with a positive can-do attitude. Very much the team player with excellent interpersonal skills in person and by telephone, you’ll be adaptable and organised to effectively handle the multiple work demands. Proficient in all aspects of information and communications technology, you’ll be committed to delivering high quality work and client service, with a keen eye for detail. We’re looking for someone who is also proactive, self-sufficient and able to show initiative.
Why join us?
We offer a rewarding career of quality work alongside a commitment to your development. Fundamentally at the core lie the firm’s values, ‘one team’ ethos and supportive culture. It’s a fantastic environment in which people grow.
You’ll get a competitive salary, 25 days’ holiday per year to start (including three days at Christmas) and of course Bank Holidays, healthcare provision, healthy work/life balance and other perks.
Committed to inclusion, we aim to employ a diverse section of the community.
Our CSR proposition also continues to develop. Last year, we celebrated raising £8,000 for several local charities.
Apply now
Please email your up-to-date CV and covering letter, setting out your suitability and salary expectations, to recruitment@mfgsolicitors.com
Interviews will be arranged as suitable applicants apply.
PURPOSE OF ROLE
To provide effective secretarial and administrative support within the Residential Property division, carrying out work to the highest possible standards through adherence to the firm’s guidelines and policies. To be committed to a high level of client service and strive for continuous professional development.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Undertaking property and Land Registry searches, preparing financial statements and to assist with property sale and purchase completions.
2. To assist with file management and ensure consistent reviews of files.
3. To undertake such work as may be delegated by your Fee Earner or Partner in relation to client matters or any administrative duties that may be required.
4. To assist your Fee Earner or Partner in prioritising the client matter and when appropriate advise the client and others of the progress of the matter.
5. To attend to clients and others where needed on behalf of the Fee Earner or Partner, taking accurate instructions for your Fee Earner’s attention.
6. To complete Land Registry applications and SDLT returns under the Fee Earner or Partner’s direction.
7. To undertake all work of a secretarial nature as may be requested by any Fee Earner including typing, word processing, photocopying, making and taking phone calls.
8. To take and record accurately any message and pass the same on to the appropriate person without delay.
9. To make appointments and maintain up to date diary entries.
10. To deal with filing, storage and retrieval of client’s papers and files, opening and closing of files, storage of deeds and other papers all in accordance with firm policies.
11. To correctly identify and differentiate between DX, Royal Mail post and hand or other deliveries.
12. To undertake any other duties as may be allocated by the Fee Earner or Partner from time to time.
1. To assist with the implementation of good working practices, maintain a high standard of work and client service/care within your area of responsibility, in accordance with the firm’s policies, procedures and guidelines and/or as directed by your line manager.
2. To use initiative on all matters.
3. To ensure confidentiality and security for all firm and client documentation and information.
4. To undertake any specific training course as and when required.
5. To effectively demonstrate the firm’s values and behaviours at all times.
6. To maintain clear and precise communications with other members of staff and assist other secretaries when required.
7. To develop good working relationships with external institutions, organisations and other third parties.
8. To ensure that any equipment supplied for the purpose of your work (including computer, printer/copier, franking machine and post systems) is used correctly, maintained and any defects/faults are reported.
9. To ensure that Health & Safety principles and safe working practices are followed at all times. Employees have a legal duty that gives them responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that they do not endanger themselves or anyone else by their acts or omissions.
10. To cooperate with the firm on Health & Safety matters and do not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare purposes.
11. To keep areas of work clean and tidy.
12. All employees have a responsibility to carry out their work with due regard for the environment. The firm’s Environmental Policy and procedures relevant to your area must be followed.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Attitudes
1. A proficient level of literacy and numeracy.
2. Competent touch and audio typist.
3. Experience of working within a team environment.
4. Experience of data entry and/or text processing.
5. IT literate with experience of the Microsoft Office suite of applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
6. Ability to interact effectively with others, both face to face and over the telephone, including an excellent telephone manner and comfortable dealing with clients.
7. Proactive and able to work on own initiative.
8. Organised and methodical with the ability to multi-task, prioritise and work in a fast paced environment.
9. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
10. Committed to excellent client service.
11. Focused on achieving goals, adopting a can do attitude.
12. Highly motivated and willing to learn.
13. Ability to use shorthand desirable.
14. An understanding of and adherence to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and maintaining confidentiality and integrity at all times.
SUMMARY
The details outlined in this job description reflect the content of the post at the date the job description was prepared. It is inevitable that over time the nature of a defined job role will change, existing duties may be lost and other duties gained without changing the general character of the work or level of responsibility entailed. It is intended that this job description will be revised from time to time in discussion with the post holder.
In addition, you may be expected to perform other duties commensurate with this position or as required to assist the business needs. Any additional tasks will be kept within your abilities and skills range, and training will be provided if necessary. Such agreement should not be unreasonably withheld.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Schedule:
Work Location: In person
