Job description
Job Description:
Legal Personal Assistant - Dispute Resolution & Litigation
Experience Level: Intermediate
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Location: Belfast
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Legal Personal Assistant to support Legal Advisors within a busy Dispute Resolution and Litigation team based in Belfast. This is a pivotal role requiring initiative, precision and a proactive mindset. You will deliver a full PA service, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the team, while also providing support across the wider UK practice when required.
This role is ideal for a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced legal environment, takes ownership of their workload, and consistently delivers a high standard of support.
About the Organisation
This is a leading UK law firm recognised for delivering outstanding client service, commercial insight and innovative legal solutions. With offices across the UK and Europe, the firm works with ambitious organisations across a wide range of sectors.
The firm is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and high-performing culture where people are encouraged to be themselves and succeed together. Employees benefit from a collaborative working environment, high-quality work and a comprehensive, flexible benefits package designed to support both professional and personal wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
PA & Administrative Support
- Proactive diary management, identifying and resolving scheduling conflicts
- Organising meetings, travel, accommodation and events
- Preparing, drafting and issuing correspondence for approval
- Completing digital dictation including emails, documents, attendance notes and reports
- Managing incoming post, scanning to the case management system and circulating appropriately
File & Compliance Management
- Opening new matters and preparing engagement documentation
- Completing file opening forms and liaising with central compliance teams on conflicts, KYC and AML checks
- Maintaining client files, archiving and off-site storage coordination
Financial & Billing Support
- Collating and managing financial data and reports
- Monitoring financial hygiene, including WIP and aged debt reporting
- Raising invoices, chasing payment and processing expense claims
- Ensuring timely payment of third-party invoices (e.g. counsel, experts, process servers)
Business Development & CRM
- Supporting business development activity and maintaining accurate records
- Updating the firm's CRM system with client contact information and BD activity
Team Support
- Providing cover for PA absences across the wider Dispute Resolution and Litigation team
- Supporting multiple Legal Advisors and managing competing priorities effectively
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience as a Legal PA supporting Partners and Legal Advisors
- Northern Ireland litigation experience
- Exceptional organisational skills with strong attention to detail
- Ability to work independently, using initiative and sound judgement
- Strong upward management skills and the confidence to manage expectations
- Excellent keyboard and document production skills
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
- Experience using digital dictation
- Ability to remain calm, flexible and effective under pressure
Desirable
- PowerPoint experience
- Experience supporting business development activity
- Familiarity with CRM systems
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised, methodical and efficient
- Professional, approachable and service-driven
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Adaptable and comfortable working across multiple stakeholders
- Willing to embrace new technology, including AI-powered productivity tools
- A collaborative team player who thrives in a high-performing environment
For more information please reach out to Phil Doherty @ VANRATH
''I would highly recommend VANRATH who I found to be thoroughly helpful, informative and efficient from first point of contact. Within a week of sending my CV I had interviewed and received an offer for a new role''
''Very pleased with the service provided and extremely appreciative to VANRATH, who I'd highly recommend.''
''VANRATH was very helpful in assisting me in obtaining my new employment post. They made care to stay in touch, inform me of any updates and gave me some excellent interview advice. Thank you for all your assistance; I wouldn't think twice about using VANRATH again. Outstanding service.''
