Senior Practice Assistant

Role purpose:

The Senior Practice Assistant will demonstrate secretarial and administrative competencies to the highest level. The role-holder will provide first-class administrative support and secretarial service to some fee-earners (Partners/Senior Associates) as assigned.

Main responsibilities:

• Client intake (e.g. AML, engagement letters) and expert Billing support at all levels (e.g. WIP review, sending final invoices, collections management, accruals, etc.)
• Proactively support client activities and requirements (first contact, resolve basic queries)
• Navigate Service Now for various tasks, including document services (typing, formatting), resolution of IT-related issues, and access to basic financial reporting metrics (SAP)
• Strategic liaison with E2E services, ensuring the full utilization and coordination of services at all times, reviewing materials as needed before sharing with attorneys
• Document preparation for urgent jobs which are not suitable to be sent to Document Services
• Proactive complex diary management, call handling, and meeting organization for external meetings (utilises GAS for internal meetings)
• Act as a gatekeeper
• Manage in-box and assist with email filing into iManage, and support hard copy filing
• Provide administrative support at meetings, capturing outputs and following up as needed; May be assigned specific tasks/objectives for action as outputs of meetings
• Proactively manage and coordinate all aspects of tasks assigned (e.g. meetings, events, travel, etc.)
• Collate and provide feedback with a solution-oriented mindset
• Support junior secretarial staff, mentoring/budding
• Undertake support of local practice group tasks and requirements

Skills and experience:

• Extensive experience working in the legal sector or other professional services environment
• Has advanced and specialized expertise, typically developed through a combination of job-related training and considerable work experience within several different practice and functional areas
• 'Can-do' attitude, demonstrates proactivity and takes the initiative
• Consistently demonstrates secretarial competencies to the highest level in all areas
• Able to manage complex diary and calendar management activities
• Strong document management skills
• Exhibits passion in collaborating with internal clients and stakeholders
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency in all software packages (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Teams)
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal
• High-level organization skills
• Able to understand the importance of Client Service
• Can identify and proactively develop knowledge and skill gaps
• Able to handle complex activities and be solution-oriented
• Lead by example (be a role model)
• Exercise independent judgement: Able to escalate issues effectively
• Seek to enhance and self-develop

About us

Complex business challenges require an integrated response across different markets, sectors, and areas of law. Baker McKenzie's client solutions provide seamless advice, underpinned by deep practice and sector expertise, as well as first-rate local market knowledge. Across more than 70 offices globally, Baker McKenzie works alongside our clients to deliver solutions for a connected world.

We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people -- regardless of race, religion, or belief, if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or age -- to fulfill their professional aspirations with us.

To Apply

At Baker McKenzie we welcome direct applications.

Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role. We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Recruitment Team on either 020 7919 1000 or [email protected]

For more information about this position or to discuss any adjustments you may require during the process please contact in confidence, Charlotte Reynolds, Secretarial Services Leader, on 02079 191 134 or [email protected]

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NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs. Please click here for details of our Agency Policy and commitment to sourcing directly.

Baker & McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.