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
