Legal Assistant/Secretary

Company Overview

Cowling Swift & Kitchin Solicitors is a well established and busy high street legal practice based in York City Centre.

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Legal Assistant / Legal Secretary to join our friendly and professional team.

This is a fully office-based role supporting fee earners across a variety of practice areas and requires an individual who can work efficiently in a fast-paced legal environment.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support across multiple departments, including:

• Civil Litigation (preferable)
• Family Law (preferable)
• Residential Conveyancing
• Wills and Probate
• Commercial Matters
• Charity Law and Regulatory Matters

Key Responsibilities

• Providing secretarial and administrative support to solicitors and fee earners.
• Preparing, formatting and amending legal documents and correspondence.
• Managing client files and ensuring compliance with firm procedures.
• Handling telephone enquiries and liaising professionally with clients, courts, counsel, estate agents and third parties.
• Opening, maintaining and closing files.
• Diary management, appointment scheduling and meeting coordination.
• Assisting with billing, invoicing and file management.
• Preparing court bundles and legal documentation.
• Undertaking online submissions and filings with relevant authorities.
• Managing incoming and outgoing post, emails and documentation.
• Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to professional standards at all times.

Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Legal Assistant, Legal Secretary or similar role within a solicitors' practice.
• Experience supporting fee earners in:
• Litigation
• Conveyancing
• Family Law
• Proficiency in LEAP Legal Software.
• Experience using HMCTS online services and court filing systems.
• Knowledge of the Claims Portal for personal injury and litigation matters.
• Experience dealing with Charity Commission online filings and submissions.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a varied workload.
• Excellent communication and client care skills.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in additional areas of private client work, including Wills and Probate.
• Audio typing and digital dictation experience.
• Understanding of legal compliance and file management procedures.

Work Location: In person