Job Title: Family Team Legal Secretary & Receptionist
Location: Canterbury Office
Salary: £24,570.00 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.
We are a multi-office, multi-service Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners firm recognised for excellence in a variety of legal fields.
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and cover letter to our dedicated HR team at: recruitment@gtstewart.co.uk.
GT Stewart is a leading, multi-service law firm providing expert legal representation across a broad range of practice areas. We are committed to access to justice and have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality advice and advocacy in areas including Criminal Defence, Criminal Appeals, Extradition, Youth Crime, Prison Law, Road Traffic, Family Law, Actions Against the Police, Housing, Community Care, Mental Health, Probate, Property, Court Martials, and Personal Injury.
With offices across London, Kent, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, and Hertfordshire, GT Stewart is well-positioned to represent clients across the country. Our growth over the years has included the integration of several respected practices, including FMW Law, Hudgell & Partners, Eskinazi & Co, Hockfield & Co, Bretherton Law, and McGrath Solicitors, strengthening both our regional reach and depth of expertise.
We are proud to be recognised in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, reflecting our dedication to client care, legal excellence, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. Whether acting for individuals, families or organisations, our lawyers bring empathy and care to every case, guided by the principle that every client matters.
