Executive Assistant (Construction Disputes)

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What sort of work?

We’re looking for a proactive and highly competent Executive Assistant who can operate successfully in a pressurised and fast-paced environment, to provide client and business focussed secretarial and administrative support to a small group of partners. The individual will need to be able to adapt to different working styles of partners. It will include undertaking complex tasks and projects, providing high-level and flexible organisational support and playing a critical role in working with partners, clients and the department to help support the partners deliver to the highest standard.

Reporting to the Secretarial Team Leader, the individual needs to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the business. A degree of flexibility around working hours is expected.

• Act as a professional and client service focussed ambassador for partners internally and externally
• Take full ownership of diaries, proactively managing all appointments, meetings and related logistics, working with partners to ensure that their schedules run smoothly and that they are where they need to be, at the scheduled meeting time, and that they are prepared for each meeting
• Proactively manage diary conflicts and take appropriate action on queries or clashes
• As agreed with each individual partner, manage inboxes responding to emails on their behalf, drafting emails appropriately, forwarding any client critical emails to other fee earners and secretaries in the team to action and respond and highlight any urgent/important emails that partner needs to respond to
• Demonstrate commercial and financial management understanding, by handling complex compliance and billing matters
• Take full ownership of tasks and manage workload against deadlines and business needs, working effectively and collaboratively with central support departments to efficiently deliver to deadlines
• Coordinate the billing process on behalf of the partners, proactively organising WIP and other financial management meetings, working with the wider department and billing team to ensure billing processes meet deadlines

Take ownership of financial and matter management processes for the team, for example coordinating chasing up unpaid bills

Work in partnership with partners, building highly effective relationships with each of them, ensuring good working practices are put in place and adopted

Arrange regular catch ups with each partner to review their diary and commitments, to ensure that a good understanding of partners’ clients and priorities is developed to help the partners make the best use of their time

Introduce and implement best practice around key operational processes to enhance partner effectiveness and department performance

Attend meetings and take minutes if required and follow up on designated actions to ensure completion ahead of the next meeting

Liaise with the Marketing & Business Development team and key contacts, proactively coordinating BD activities, playing a key role in the organisation of events, seminars & conferences for the team

Arrange travel requirements, understand individual’s personal preferences and manage all arrangements from start to finish (including journey details, accommodation, visa requirements, currency) and update diary to reflect all information

Develop a thorough understanding of the partners’ practice area(s), clients, priorities, the teamworking practices, and goals

Be a role model, work closely with the Secretarial Team Leader, be seen as a change agent and show a willingness and confidence to make suggestions for change where appropriate

Build strong relationships internally and externally

Why Forsters?

We are renowned for our private wealth and real estate focus, together with our strong corporate and commercial and dispute resolution teams. We work alongside individuals, families and businesses across a wide range of complex matters and situations.

What makes us different is how we build closer connections with our clients to deliver exceptional results. We do it through creating genuine relationships, a sharp focus on what matters to them and the flexibility to adapt our advice to their situation.

When you come through our door, you’ll notice how genuinely open, friendly and authentic people are. We work well together because we have fun together. We take your happiness and wellbeing seriously. Here, you are free to express yourself and be the best you can be.

Delivering exceptional results

takes on a different meaning at Forsters. For us, it’s about being more closely connected to clients, each other and our communities. It’s what drives us, them and you forward.

Why this team?

We are leaders in our field and you will be part of a team with an outstanding reputation, working with high quality clients on high quality matters delivering exceptional outcomes. We will encourage you to be entrepreneurial, explore ideas and make your mark. We will provide you with the support you need to grow professionally and personally to reach your full potential.

What is the environment?

You’ll be in an environment of happiness, collaboration and flexibility. We take our work seriously and being happy and having fun is an integral part of that. We work both in and out of the office in Marylebone depending on what’s best for our clients, our team, our business and our professional growth.

Are we right for you?

We are looking for you to bring your energy and enthusiasm to work every day and to collaborate and work with colleagues as one team, to listen and consider each other. We ask you to take responsibility for your growth and development, share your ideas and let us know what you want to achieve. We are looking for you to get involved in our responsible business activities, pro bono, community and sustainability initiatives.

Other Skills Required

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Organised manner with ability to prioritise workload
• Strong financial background/experience
• Motivated and pro-active with a ‘can-do’ approach
• Can adhere to tight and demanding deadlines
• Ability to interact with people at all levels
• Self-motivated individual with a proactive approach
• Calm and efficient under pressure
• Flexible as regards to time and duties.
• Proficient in use of MS Office (specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Excellent administration, organisational and prioritisation skills with ability to manage time efficiently

Good attention to detail. Accurate and thorough

Equal opportunities

Forsters LLP is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for everyone.

We strive to attract and encourage applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, age, race, nationality, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation or religious beliefs. Click here to find out more about how we are committed to building a culture where our people can thrive.

If you require any support or adjustments in the application or hiring process, please let us know.

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