Legal Secretary | Manchester M1 | Full Time, Permanent, Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm | £28,000–£30,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Join a Specialist Criminal Defence Firm
Our client is a well-established and highly regarded specialist Criminal Defence firm with offices in Manchester and London. They are looking to welcome an experienced Legal Secretary to their close-knit and fast-paced team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a busy legal environment, enjoys being an integral part of a supportive team, and takes pride in providing first-class administrative support. Previous experience within Criminal Defence is desirable, but candidates with strong legal secretarial experience from other practice areas will also be welcomed.
The Role
This is an office-based position where you will provide high-quality administrative support to a team of solicitors, helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the department. Reporting to the Practice Manager and supporting four solicitors, you'll become part of a collaborative administration team while also managing your own workload independently.
No two days are the same, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, can prioritise effectively, and works well under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
- Audio typing and preparation of legal correspondence, documents, telephone notes and court paperwork
- Managing schedules, diaries and appointments
- Liaising with clients, Counsel, the courts and other professional bodies
- Managing incoming communications via email and telephone, taking accurate and detailed messages from clients, the police, courts and other professionals
- Maintaining accurate electronic and paper filing systems, ensuring documents are easily retrievable
- Entering future hearings and critical dates into central diaries
- Chasing the CPS for case papers and uploading them to the case management system
- Managing incoming police station call-outs and arranging cover or agents
- Using criminal justice systems including CJSM, CCDCS, Common Platform and the Legal Aid Portal
- Time recording of work
- Providing general administrative support to the legal team
Requirements
Essential
- Previous experience as a Legal Secretary or in a similar legal administrative role
- Strong audio typing skills with excellent accuracy and attention to detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- A proactive and professional approach with strong IT skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively within a team environment
Desirable
- Previous experience within Criminal Defence
- Experience using CJSM, CCDCS, Common Platform and the Legal Aid Portal
What's In It For You?
- Salary of £28,000–£30,000 per annum, depending on experience
- 28 days' annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays
- Monday to Friday working hours (9:00am–5:00pm) – no weekend working
- Join a respected specialist Criminal Defence practice with an excellent reputation
- Work alongside experienced solicitors in a varied and interesting legal environment
- Be part of a small, friendly and supportive team where your contribution is genuinely valued
- Enjoy a varied role with plenty of responsibility and the opportunity to develop your knowledge of Criminal Defence