Job Description
Legal Practice Assistant (1‑Year FTC)
Department: Employment
Employment Type: Contract / Temp
Location: London
Reporting To: Natalie Chin
Why Bates Wells?
We’re an award‑winning, purpose‑driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest‑scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market‑leading UK firm for charities and purpose‑driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out.
Our values are key to our success, and you’ll be able to make a real impact from day one.
Come and join the firm with a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we never prioritise profit over people and planet.
The role
We are looking for a proactive, enthusiastic Legal Practice Assistant to join our shared Employment and Immigration Legal PA team. This role will support a team of fee earners, including a Head of Department.
The purpose of the role is to deliver high quality, comprehensive, efficient, and effective matter and client management and administrative support services to these two busy practice groups, enabling our lawyers to focus on client work and business development.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has secretarial or PA experience in these two practice areas and is confident building strong working relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Working collaboratively as part of the practice support team assisting our lawyers by:
- Taking ownership and using initiative to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard, using the tools and resources available
- Actively pursuing continuous development and staying updated on policies, processes, workflows, and technology.
- Seeking clarification when unsure about tasks or responsibilities.
- Working flexibly by assisting colleagues during absences or peak workloads
Collaborating with lawyers and Business Teams, using the Practice Management System (Liberate) for efficient client and matter management, including:
- Creating client records and opening and closing matters in a timely manner.
- Completing post inception tasks e.g., drafting and sending engagement letters.
- Managing finance transactions and requests.
- Driving the billing process, including drafting, amending, sending and following up on bills.
- Maintaining data integrity by keeping client and matter records updated.
- Holding fortnightly matter management meetings with lawyers and completing actions agreed.
- Drafting communications including emails, letters, and presentations.
- Direct interaction with clients, including distressed individuals requiring additional support.
- Supporting ongoing proceedings by managing key dates, filing documents, and coordinating with tribunals or courts.
Applying your knowledge and proficiency in the MS Office Suite, iManage and other relevant software, to manage all documents and correspondence accurately, including:
- Creating and formatting internal, business development and client-facing documents.
- Transcribing dictation.
- Creating and editing documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations.
- Preparing document bundles for fee earners.
- Electronic and paper filing, and archiving.
General administrative support, including:
- Providing diary and inbox management as required.
- Supporting lawyers with travel arrangements, expenses management, etc.
- Conducting research and other ad hoc duties as required.
Specific tasks may change over time, so we’ll need you to be adaptable and flexible as we continue to meet our clients’ needs.
About You
- A friendly, personable, and enthusiastic outlook and the ability to build and nurture relationships.
- Passionate about client service, able to support our lawyers to deliver a client-centric approach.
- Strong organisational skills, resilience, and proactivity, anticipating and actioning next steps.
- Excellent attention to detail, spelling and use of grammar.
- A collaborative approach, valuing teamwork, adaptability and flexibility.
- A calm and confident communication style, effective with clients and colleagues at all levels.
- Good commercial awareness and an understanding of how a legal practice operates.
- Active interest in learning.
About our Employment and Immigration team
Our Employment team represents both employers and employees, from first query to tribunal. We’ve handled many high-profile test cases in the higher courts, both in the UK and Europe. We’re particularly well-known for working with charities and ethical businesses.
Our Immigration team handles all aspects of immigration and nationality law and is ranked as leaders in the legal directories. The team provides bespoke solutions for a full range of business immigration matters as well as advising multinational corporations, businesses, charities and other non-profit organisations as well as individuals and families.
What are we like to work for?
Impact‑Driven Purpose: We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities and planet.
Committed to the Climate: Through our Climate & Nature Group, we reduce environmental impact and support a just transition to net zero.
Championing Inclusion: We foster a diverse and inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
Flexible and Hybrid Working: Our hybrid model supports balance, with at least two office days per week.
Progressive Benefits: We offer sustainable pensions, IVF support, private healthcare and a range of wellbeing and personal‑development benefits.
At Bates Wells, equity, diversity and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose‑driven law firm, we’re committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive and representative of all.
