Family Team Legal Secretary & Receptionist - Canterbury

Family Team Legal Secretary & Receptionist - Canterbury

Job Title: Family Team Legal Secretary & Receptionist
Location: Canterbury Office
Salary: circa £25,000 FTE (dependent on experience)

About the Role

We are looking for a professional and organised individual to join our Canterbury office as a Family Team Legal Secretary & Receptionist. This dual role combines front of house responsibilities with essential legal secretarial support for our Family & Childcare Team. The position provides a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic law firm, supporting both client facing and administrative duties in a fast paced, professional environment.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Secretary Duties (Approx. 50%):

• Provide high quality secretarial support to the Family & Childcare Team.
• Type from digital dictation and other sources accurately and efficiently.
• Manage electronic filing and ensure proper document storage in line with firm procedures.
• Deal with telephone calls from clients, Counsel, experts, and other third parties in a professional manner.
• Maintain appointment diaries for Fee Earners and Senior Team Members.
• Assist with legal aid matters and applications via CCMS.
• Process fee notes, expert invoices, and other financial documentation related to cases.
• Ensure compliance with all office procedures and the firm's Practice Manual.
• Greet and liaise with clients and visitors as appropriate, providing professional and courteous support.
• Action any other administrative or legal support tasks as required to ensure the smooth running of the team.

Reception Duties (Approx. 50%):

• Welcome clients and visitors to the office with professionalism and warmth.
• Maintain a tidy and organised reception area.
• Direct visitors and enquiries to the appropriate team member.
• Provide occasional support for the wider firm's phone system during quieter reception periods, handling overflow calls and general enquiries.
• Collaborate with the wider admin team to ensure smooth coverage of reception and shared administrative tasks.

Person Specification

• Previous experience as a legal secretary or administrative assistant is essential.
• Interest or experience in Family & Childcare Law preferred.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional, approachable, and client focused manner.
• Fast and accurate typing skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proactive, flexible, and team oriented approach to work.

Working With Us

• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Supportive supervision and mentorship.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
• Competitive base salary with pension contribution and optional Benenden Health Care.
• Firm laptop and access to modern IT systems.
• Annual leave of 23 days plus bank holidays, with review and increase with service.
• Bi annual staff events and additional perks.